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

We will now deal with matters relating to the sale of the IBRC mortgage loan book. Before we commence business, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off to avoid interference with the broadcasting of the meeting. The meeting is being broadcast, not on cable but on a webcast, and there will be people watching it. Any mobile telephone interference creates technical difficulties. If there is interference, I will disrupt the meeting. If there is a difficulty, I will ask those concerned to leave.
I welcome to this afternoon's meeting the special liquidators for IBRC, Mr. Kieran Wallace and Mr. Eamonn Richardson, and officials of the Department of Finance, Ms Ann Nolan, second secretary, Mr. Anthoine Mac Donncha, head of the legal unit, and Mr. Gary Hynds, assistant principal. The witnesses are here to discuss matters relating to the sale of the IBRC residential mortgage loan book. This discussion will begin with opening remarks from Mr. Richardson on behalf of the special liquidators. Following that, questions may be put by members to the special liquidators or officials, as appropriate.
By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses 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 a 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
I ask Mr. Richardson to proceed with his opening remarks.