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

Before we commence I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones because the interference from them affects the sound quality and transmission of the meeting.

I advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are further directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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, any person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the provision within Standing Order 163 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 of the objectives of such policies. I welcome Mr. John Moran, Secretary General of the Department of Finance, and ask him to introduce his officials.