Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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We are now in public session. Any member who is joining us remotely must do so from within the Leinster House complex.

Today we will have a discussion on the small companies administrative rescue process, SCARP. The Companies (Rescue Process for Small and Micro Companies) Act 2021, which was commenced on 8 December 2021, provides for a new, dedicated rescue process for small and micro companies known as SCARP. The committee is pleased to have the opportunity to consider these matters further with representatives from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. I am pleased to welcome from the Department Dr. Dermot Coates, principal officer at the economic and tax policy unit, Ms Fiona O'Dea, principal officer at the company law review unit, and Ms Tara Keane, principal officer at the company law accounting and auditing unit. I also welcome from the Revenue Commissioners Mr. Paddy Purtill and Ms Maureen Marray, both of whom are principal officers at the Collector General's division.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices 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. 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such directives.

The opening statements have been circulated to all members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Ms O'Dea to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Department.