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

We are now dealing with item 7, the 2012 financial statements of IDA Ireland. Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery to turn off their mobile phones. Interference from mobile phones affects the sound quality and transmission of the meeting. I advise witnesses that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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. They 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, a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 163 to the effect that they should also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits or objectives of such policies. I welcome Mr. Barry O'Leary, chief executive officer of IDA Ireland, and ask him to introduce his officials.