Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will resume in public session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery regarding mobile phones. We have apologies from Senator Imelda Henry, Deputy Catherine Byrne, who had to leave us unexpectedly, and also from Deputy Seamus Healy.

The purpose of our meeting is to discuss with the chairperson-designate of VHI, Mr. Liam Downey, whom I want to welcome, congratulate on his appointment and thank for being here, his appointment and the approach that will be taken to the challenges currently facing the company. As members are aware, a 2011 Government decision resulted in committees having a greater role in scrutinising appointments to State boards and bodies. The committee welcomes the opportunity this afternoon to meet with Mr. Downey, the chairperson-designate, in this public session to hear his views. We trust that this will provide greater transparency to the process of appointments to our State boards and bodies. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Downey formally to the meeting, along with Ms Brighid Smyth from VHI, who is in the Visitors Gallery.

Before we commence, for the benefit of officials attending, I will remind people about privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or 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 parliamentary practice to the effect that members 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 also wish to advise that the statement provided to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting.

I call on Mr. Downey to make his opening remarks.