Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are turned off for the duration of the meeting.

From the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, SBCI, I welcome Mr. Nick Ashmore, chief executive, and Ms Suzanne Sweeney, head of lending. I thank them for coming before the committee to update it on the agriculture cashflow support loan scheme, which was introduced in January of this year.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Ashmore to make his opening statement and we will then take questions from members.