Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off or in flight mode for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when in silent mode.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 a member 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 welcome Mr. Felix O'Regan from the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland, Mr. Michael Lauhoff, director of business banking, and Ms June Butler, head of SME banking, from Bank of Ireland; and Ms Catherine Moroney, head of business banking, and Ms Margaret Brennan, head of SME sector strategy, from Allied Irish Banks. I thank them for taking the time to attend. We are discussing the cost of doing business. I remind our guests that their presentations should be no more than five minutes in duration. Members have already received their copies of their presentations. I call Mr. O'Regan to make his opening statement.