Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are here to review the credit union sector with the Credit Union Development Association, the Credit Union Managers Association and the Irish League of Credit Unions. I welcome Mr. Kevin Johnson, chief executive officer, and Ms Elaine Larke, from the Credit Union Development Association; Mr. Sean Hosford, chairman, and Ms Lisa Stapleton, from the Credit Union Managers Association; and Mr. Ed Farrell, chief executive officer; and Mr. John Knox from the Irish League of Credit Unions. The committees should note that the registrar of credit unions at the Central Bank, Ms Anne Marie McKiernan, was not available to attend today's meeting as she has a prior commitment which could not be altered. However, she has expressed a willingness to meet the committee. The secretariat is looking at possible dates for this engagement before Christmas and the meeting will most likely be on 16 December. The format of the meeting is that each of the representatives will make a short opening statement lasting five minutes. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off.

I advise 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 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 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 comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or an 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.

We must vacate this room by 2.15 p.m. which means we will keep the debate fairly tight. Each of the representative organisations will have five minutes to make an opening statement. Main spokespersons will have ten minutes and after that, it will be five minutes. I will stick to that schedule.

I call on Mr. Johnson to commence.