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

We are dealing with progress on the resolution of the tracker mortgage redress issue. I welcome Ms Francesca McDonagh, group chief executive of Bank of Ireland, and her colleagues.

I wish to advise the witnesses 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 this 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 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 welcome Ms McDonagh to the meeting and wish her well. It is her first time before the committee and she is very welcome.