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

I welcome the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, and his officials for a discussion on the stability programme update. The subject matter of the meeting is the European semester process which aims to secure lasting stability through a new system of economic policy co-ordination among member states. It is designed to ensure member states align their budgetary and economic policies with their obligations. Its ultimate purpose is to underpin sustainable economic growth to facilitate job creation and renew social cohesion across Europe in line with the Europe 2020 strategy. The format of the meeting involves opening remarks from the Minister which will be followed by a question and answer session.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected to the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or persons or an 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 that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses of the Oireachtas or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.