Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council's fiscal assessment report of November 2014. I welcome the delegates from the council: Professor John McHale, chairman; Dr. Thomas Conefrey, chief economist; and council members, Professor Alan Barrett; Mr. Sebastian Barnes; and Dr. Donal O'Donovan. I understand Dr. Róisín O'Sullivan is unable to attend and sends her apologies. Mr. John Howlin, Mr. Eddie Casey, Mr. Andrew Hannon and Ms Sarah Doyle are also in attendance. We will begin with an opening statement from Professor McHale, followed by a question and answer session.
I remind members, witnesses and persons in the Public Gallery that all mobile telephones must be switched off. I advise the 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 committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I invite Professor McHale to make his opening statement.