Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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We have received apologies from Deputy Verona Murphy. All in attendance are very welcome. I remind everyone to ensure their mobile phones are on silent mode or switched off.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references the 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. This means that witnesses have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure it is not abused. 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 and witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is a permanent witness to the committee. He is accompanied by Ms Paula O'Connor, deputy director at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

This morning we have officials from Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in attendance to examine the financial statements 2022 of Inland Fisheries Ireland. We are joined by the following officials: Dr. Cathal Gallagher, deputy CEO and head of research and development; Mr Barry Fox, head of operations; Ms Suzanne Campion, head of finance and corporate services; Ms Paula Byrne, interim head of human resources; and Mr. Michael Cusack, field services manager. We are also joined by Mr. Philip Nugent, assistant secretary from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. All of our witnesses are very welcome.

To begin this morning I will call on the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, for his opening statement.