Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The matter for discussion is an overview of the country specific recommendations in the European context. I would like to welcome the Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, Mr. Pierre Moscovici, to Ireland and to our meeting. Mr. Moscovici was taking part in a seminar this morning at the Institute of International and European Affairs on Ireland's recovery. It is certainly good news to be able to use that term after a number of years of painful and real sacrifice made by the Irish people in order to deal with the crisis. As our debt and unemployment falls and GDP and exports rise, Ireland has shown its commitment to tackling its own problems and in doing so has also helped the rest of the European Union. The committee will be glad to hear Mr. Moscovici's views on how he sees Ireland's progress within the European context and on the recently published country-specific recommendations.

The format of the meeting is that Mr. Moscovici will make some opening remarks and a question and answer session will follow. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off.

I draw the attention of witness to the following. 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. 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 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 parliamentary practice 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 the Commissioner to make his opening remarks.