Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In this session the committee will engage with Insurance Ireland, BPFI and Engineers Ireland. On behalf of the committee I welcome from Insurance Ireland Ms Moyagh Murdock, CEO; Mr. Michael Horan, manager of regulation and policy development; and Ms Ruth NicGinneá, advocacy and public affairs manager. From BPFI I welcome Mr. Brian Hayes, chief executive, and Ms Michelle Bryne, head of consumer banking. From Engineers Ireland I welcome Mr. Damien Owens, chartered engineer and director general; Mr. John Garrett, chartered engineer; and Mr. Cian O’Dowd, head of public affairs.

The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against a 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 directive. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or official outside the House, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members attending remotely of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present in the confines of the place which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings.

I invite Mr. Hayes to make his opening remarks.