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

I welcome Professor John McHale, chairperson, Professor Alan Barrett, council member, Mr. Sebastian Barnes, council member, Dr. Róisín O'Sullivan, council member, and Mr. Diarmuid Smith, chief economist, from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council who are here to discuss the fiscal assessment report for 2014. I understand Dr. Donal O'Donovan is unable to attend and sends his apologies. Mr. John Howlin, Mr. Eddie Casey, Mr. Andrew Hannon and Ms Rachel Joyce are also in attendance. The format of the meeting will be that Professor McHale will make some opening remarks and there will then be a question and answer session.

I remind members, witnesses and all those in the gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off to avoid interference with the broadcasting of the meeting.
I wish to 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. However, if they are directed by the joint committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or 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 long-standing rule of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I invite Professor McHale to make his opening statement.