Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Professor Honohan, Governor of the Central Bank. He appeared before the committee on 30 April and we are pleased to welcome him back. The format of the meeting will see him making some remarks, which will be followed by a questions and answers session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery that all mobile telephones must be switched off.
I wish to advise the witnesses that, 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. If they 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 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 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I invite Professor Honohan to begin his contribution.