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

We are dealing with item 5, progress on the resolution of the tracker mortgage redress issue. We are joined from Ulster Bank by Mr. Paul Stanley, chief financial officer; and Ms Elizabeth Arnett, head of corporate affairs. I welcome them and their colleagues who accompany them.

I advise the witnesses 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Stanley to make his opening statement.