Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. We will now move on to item No.7, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority annual accounts for 2012. Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones because interference from them affects the transmission of the meeting. We have received complaints from the public in this regard and the constant interference is sending out a negative image of our proceedings.

I advise the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter but continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are 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 nor 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 provision within Standing Order 163 that the committee shall 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 Ms Eileen Quinlivan, acting CEO of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, and Mr. John Crawley, financial advisor. I also welcome Mr. Paul Dunne, principal officer, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I will now ask the Comptroller and Auditor General to make his opening statement.