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

I welcome the witnesses. The Comptroller and Auditor General has another meeting to attend and we have had a long session this morning. It would be helpful if members would keep to a tight schedule.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones because they interfere with the sound quality of the transmission of the meeting.

I advise witnesses that they 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 with 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 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 163 that the committee should 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 policy or policies.

I welcome Mr. Matthew Elderfield, Deputy Governor. I call on the Comptroller and Auditor General to introduce his special report.