Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Marc MacSharry. I welcome Professor Patrick Honohan, the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland. Professor Honohan has appeared before the joint committee many times and we are pleased to welcome him again, perhaps for his final appearance. The format will be that Professor Honohan will make some opening remarks, after which we will have a question and answer session.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that mobile telephones must be switched off. I advise witnesses that by virtue of 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 a 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Professor Honohan to make his opening remarks.