Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome from the Department of Finance Mr. John McCarthy, chief economist and assistant secretary; Ms Mary Dalton, assistant principal officer; Ms Laura Weymes, assistant principal officer; and Mr. Shane Enright, assistant principal officer. The format of the meeting will be that Mr. McCarthy will make some opening remarks which will be followed by a question and answer session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off, as they interfere with the broadcasting of the proceedings.
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 joint committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they will be 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 any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.