Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important as they cause serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff. The topic of the meeting is the macroeconomic forecast in the context of budget 2016. I welcome the following officials from the Department of Finance: Mr. John McCarthy, chief economist; Mr. Brendan O'Connor, assistant principal; Ms Laura Weymes, assistant principal; and Mr. Ian Power. I apologise for the slight delay but there was a vote in the Dáil. Our witnesses will make some opening remarks which will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 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 Mr. McCarthy to begin to begin.