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

Before we commence business, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off completely to avoid interference with the broadcasting of the meeting.
I welcome the representatives of Bank of Ireland. We are joined by Mr. Richie Boucher, group chief executive; Mr. Liam McLoughlin, chief executive, retail Ireland; Mr. Stephen Mason, director, mortgage arrears resolution strategy; and Mr. Pat Farrell, head of group communications. They are here to assist the joint committee in its examination of mortgage arrears and progress made in putting in place solutions aimed at resolving difficulties in the sector. I thank Mr. Boucher and his staff for the written material they provided for the committee. The discussion will begin with opening remarks by Mr. Boucher, following which members may put questions to the delegates, as appropriate. It is very important that we manage our time well to derive the maximum benefit from the meeting. Each member will have a strictly limited time slot within which questions may be put and replies given. Questions from members and replies by delegates should be clear and concise.
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. However, 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 person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
I invite Mr. Boucher to make his opening remarks.