Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will now discuss the fiscal assessment report with representatives from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.

I welcome Professor John McHale, Dr. Róisín O'Sullivan and Dr. Íde Kearney. Dr. Thomas Conefrey, chief economist and head of secretariat, Mr. John Howlin, Mr. Eddie Casey, Mr. Andrew Hannon and Ms Sarah Doyle, all also of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, IFAC, are in attendance.

As to the format of the meeting, Professor McHale will make his opening remarks, following which will be a questions and answers session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery that all mobile telephones must be switched off. I will emphasise this as mobile telephones interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 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 Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Professor McHale to begin.