Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important as it causes serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

I welcome from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, Professor John McHale, chairman, Mr. Sebastian Barnes, Dr. Íde Kearney, Dr. Róisín O'Sullivan, Mr. Michael G. Tutty and Dr. Thomas Conefrey. As we approach the year end, it is fitting that we have the opportunity to discuss the council's latest fiscal assessment report. I thank the council members for their attendance today. As always, I expect we will have an interesting discussion and debate. The format of the meeting will be that Professor McHale will make some opening remarks which will be followed by a question and answer session.

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.

Before I ask Professor McHale to begin, I welcome Mr. Tutty here, as I believe it is his first visit.