Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome Mr. Fergal O'Brien, executive director, and Ms Hazel Ahern-Flynn, economist, Irish Business and Employers Confederation, IBEC; Mr. Owen Reidy, general secretary, and Dr. Tom McDonnell, co-director of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, NERI, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU; Mr. John McGeady, CEO, Ms Susanne Rogers, research and policy analyst, and Ms Michelle Murphy, research and policy analyst, who will be joining online, Social Justice Ireland. I thank them for accepting our invitation. Some members unfortunately are on committee business abroad, and some apologies have been received.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses with regard to references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present, or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, some of today's witnesses are giving their evidence remotely from outside the parliamentary precincts and as such may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceeding as a witness physically present. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name, or in such a way as to make him, her, or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I invite Mr. Reidy to deliver his opening statement on behalf of ICTU.