John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to please turn off their mobile phones. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 a Member of either House, a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provision within Standing Order 163 that the committee should also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

I welcome Ms Clare McGrath, chairman of the OPW, and invite her to introduce her officials.