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

We are here to discuss matters relating to credit provision. I welcome Mr. John Trethowan, head of the Credit Review Office. The form of the meeting will be that Mr. Trethowan will make his opening remarks and we will follow up with a question and answer session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off.

I advise the witness that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, he is protected by absolute privilege in respect of his evidence to the committee. However, if the witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and he continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his evidence. He is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and is asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, he 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I understand this is the first time Mr. Trethowan has appeared before the committee. I thank him for attending and look forward to engaging with him. I invite him to make his opening statement.