John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin the meeting I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile phones because they interfere with the sound quality and transmission of the meeting.

I advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind Members of the provision within Standing Order 158 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits or the objectives of such policies.

I welcome Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and invite him to introduce his officials.