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

I ask those present to turn off their mobile phones as the interference caused by them affects the sound quality of the transmission of proceedings. I welcome the representatives of the European Anti Poverty Network: Mr. Robin Hanan, who is the director of the Irish branch of the network; Mr. Paul Ginnell, who is its policy officer; and Ms Bríd O'Brien, who is the head of policy and media of the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed and the chair of the European Anti Poverty Network's Irish policy group. As part of the committee's work on budget 2017, it was agreed to carry out a post-budget analysis and to engage with various organisations to discuss the budget. The committee particularly welcomes comments on the outlook for future budgets.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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. 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. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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. I invite Mr. Ginnell to make his opening statement.