Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are joined today by representatives of the Department of Defence, including Maurice Quinn, Secretary General; Des Dowling, assistant Secretary General; Robert Mooney, director; Michael O'Boyle, finance branch; Gerry Groarke, finance branch; John Hanney, contracts branch; and Ronan Mulhall, human resources manager. We are also joined by officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Mary Austin and Peter Molloy.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery to turn off all mobile phones. I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee.

If they are directed by the committee to cease giving the evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of that 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 of the committee are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect 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 a policy. Finally, 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 House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Today, we are discussing issues relating to the Department of Defence. I now invite the Comptroller and Auditor General to make his opening statement.