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

We are back in public session. We are dealing with matters relating to the banking sector in Ireland. Our witnesses for this session are Mr. Harald Felzen and Mr. Niclaus Bergmann from the Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation and individuals from Irish Rural Link. We will hear statements from both groups. We will hear separately from Mr. Seamus Maye from the Public Banking Forum of Ireland.

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. 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. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. Bergmann to make his opening statement. Perhaps it is the other way around. I invite Mr. Seamus Boland to make his opening statement.