Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Algirdas Šemeta, European Commissioner with responsibility for taxation, customs union, anti-fraud, audit and statistics, for attending this meeting of the committee. He is accompanied by Mr. Valère Moutarlier, member of the Commissioner's Cabinet; Ms. Emer Traynor, spokesperson for the Commissioner; and Ms. Eimear Ní Bhroin of the European Commission representation in Dublin. All of the witnesses are very welcome.

The session will begin with an opening statement by Mr. Šemeta, followed by a question and answer session with members. I advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(i) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Delegates are further directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. Finally, they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I understand the Commissioner has another appointment at 5.15 p.m., a time constraint I ask members to bear in mind. I now invite Mr. Šemeta to make his opening statement.