Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Maria Byrne. As members are attending via Microsoft Teams, I will read the note on privilege while the Minister of State is getting settled. I remind witnesses 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 to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 or her identifiable. I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to participate if he or she is not adhering to this requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts of the Leinster House complex will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm that they are in the Leinster House complex prior to making their contribution.

I welcome the Minister of State and her officials. The Minister of State had to move items in her schedule in order to be here. We very much appreciate this. As she knows, the purpose of today's meeting is to engage with her on the work of the committee and the emerging issue it has encountered in conducting its work in the context of the availability of draft statutory instruments to the committee.

I invite the Minister of State to make her opening statement.