John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Tom McDonnell of the Nevin Economic Research Institute. I apologise to him for our over-run in time. Dr. McDonnell will outline to the committee his views and those of the institute on Ireland's economic and fiscal position in the run-up to budget 2017. Before we begin, I remind those present to turn off their mobile phones because interference from such devices can affect sound quality. I advise the witness that he is protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence he is to give to the committee. If he is directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and he continues to do so, he is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his evidence. He is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. He is asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, witnesses should not make charges against or criticise any Member of either House, a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask Dr. McDonnell to make his opening comments.