Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today, the committee will continue its examination of the Comptroller and Auditor General's Special Report No. 94 on the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, and its sale of Project Eagle. Project Eagle was the code name given to the sale of NAMA's Northern Ireland loan portfolio.

Last week, we had an engagement with the Comptroller and Auditor General on his report and with NAMA on the conclusions in the report. Today, I welcome the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, and thank him for making himself available to the committee to discuss matters raised in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report. It is important to hear about the Minister's role and communications with NAMA and the Northern Ireland Executive on the sale of the Northern Ireland loan portfolio.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery to ensure that all mobile phones are switched off or on aeroplane mode. Putting them on silent is not adequate as it interferes with the recording of proceedings.

Members are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Finally, members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call on the Minister to make his opening statement.