Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will now move on to the latest eurozone developments and future implications for the euro currency. I welcome Mr. Colm McCarthy, economist, and Professor Frank Barry, economist at Trinity College, Dublin. The format of the meeting is that our witnesses will make their opening remarks in the order in which they were introduced and that will be followed by a questions and answers session.

I wish to advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this 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. 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 ruling of the Chair 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 call Mr. McCarthy to make his opening remarks.