James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome everyone to the first meeting of the Select Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Before we proceed, I have a few housekeeping matters to go through. I advise members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate when he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution. Should a division occur, any members participating remotely will be required to make their way to the meeting room within the normal division time to vote before returning to their original location.

As this is the first meeting of the select committee, we have some committee business to discuss. I refer to the Leas-Chathaoirleach of the select committee. As members are aware, a select committee may choose to elect a Leas-Chathaoirleach who can perform the duties and exercise the authority of the Cathaoirleach in my absence. Is it agreed that we will elect a Leas-Chathaoirleach next Wednesday if possible? Agreed. I suggest we hold the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach of the select committee on or after the proposed public meeting of the select committee on 10 July 2025. Members might wish to consult with one another and send nominations to the clerk by 8 July. Nominations may be made from the floor. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Regarding the schedule of meetings of the select committee, a number of Bills and the Estimates, which end up in the appropriation Bill, were referred to the select committee. Today, we will consider Committee Stage of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025. We have agreed to consider the Revised Estimates for public services, Vote 32 – Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, on Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 6.30 p.m. I propose that the select committee will consider Committee Stage of the Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Thursday, 10 July 2025 at 9.30 a.m. or at 12.30 p.m., depending on the Minister’s availability. Is that agreed? Agreed. There were suggestions that a meeting be held on Thursday, 3 July 2025, but as a number of members are unable to make that date, I propose the meeting will take place next week. Is that agreed? Agreed. We will consider Committee Stage of the protection of employments Bill 2025 at a later date.

This meeting has been convened to consider the Committee Stage of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025, which was referred to the committee by order of the Dáil on 10 June 2025. I welcome the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, and his officials, to our meeting. I propose that we publish the opening statement and briefings provided by the Minister on the committee’s website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

It is proposed to group the following amendments for the purpose of debate: amendments Nos. 1 and 2. All other amendments, which are not grouped will be discussed individually.

I invite the Minister, Deputy Burke, to make opening remarks.