John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We resume consideration of the general scheme of the financial services and pensions ombudsman Bill 2016 and the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (amendment) Bill 2014. In our earlier session, we heard the views of the Minister for Finance on the proposed legislation. The committee will now hear from Mr. Ger Deering, Financial Services Ombudsman, and Mr. Paul Joyce from the Free Legal Advice Centres. I acknowledge also the attendance of Ms Eilis Barry. I welcome the witnesses to today's meeting.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 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. I invite Mr. Deering to make his opening remarks.