Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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Members participating remotely are required to do so from within the Leinster House complex only. So far, apologies have been received from Senator Garret Ahearn.

Today we will look at the impact of artificial intelligence on business. In October 2023, the committee reported on artificial intelligence in the workplace. One of the key observations of the committee was that further discussions would be needed to explore the wide-ranging impacts AI might have. The issue of how Ireland can best position itself so as to be ready to face the challenges posed by AI and seize the opportunities AI presents is likely to be a major priority for all stakeholders in this area.

The committee is therefore pleased that we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with representatives from Accenture, PwC and EY. I am pleased to welcome from Accenture in Ireland Ms Hilary O'Meara, country managing director, and Mr. Denis Hannigan, managing director, data and AI; from EY, Mr. Eoin O'Reilly, head of AI, and Dr. Loretta O'Sullivan, chief economist; and from PwC Ireland, Mr. David Lee, partner and CTO, Mr. Martin Duffy, head of GenAI, and Ms Aisling Curtis, market leader, strategic alliances.

Before we start, as we always do, I wish to 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 they comply with any such direction I may have to make.

The opening statements have been circulated to all the members. To commence consideration of our matter today, I invite Ms O'Meara to make opening remarks on behalf of Accenture.