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

Before we commence, I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off completely to avoid interference with the broadcasting of proceedings. The meeting is being webcast and also broadcast on the UPC Oireachtas channel; therefore, members should be mindful of any electrical interference they might be causing.
I welcome representatives of the Insolvency Service of Ireland, ISI. We are joined by Mr. Lorcan O'Connor, director; Ms Cathy Clarke, head of the regulation division; Mr. Randall Plunkett, head of the case management division; and Mr. Christopher Lehane, head of the bankruptcy division and official assignee in bankruptcy. They are here to assist the joint committee in its examination of the issue of mortgage arrears and the progress made in putting in place solutions aimed at resolving difficulties in the sector. In the year since the Insolvency Service of Ireland was established Mr. O'Connor and his officials have been developing a new legal infrastructure and service dedicated to providing sustainable solutions for insolvent debtors.
This is the last of a series which began in early April with a meeting with voluntary organisations providing assistance for those struggling to manage their mortgages. The committee continued with a number of meetings during which we questioned the chief executive officers of Ulster Bank, permanent tsb, AIB and Bank of Ireland on progress made by them in meeting mortgage arrears resolution targets and will conclude the current round of meetings with a discussion with the Governor of the Central Bank this afternoon. We will begin this morning's discussion with opening remarks by Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Lehane, following which members may put questions to the delegates, as appropriate. It is 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 again welcome Mr. O'Connor, Mr. Lehane, Ms Clarke and Mr. Plunkett and ask Mr. O'Connor and Mr. Lehane to make their opening remarks.