Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are dealing with the 2016 annual report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, chapter 10, shared services – management of salary overpayments, which is the item specifically mentioned in his report. We will also deal with the appropriation accounts for 2016 and Vote 18, National Shared Services Office. We are joined by officials from the National Shared Services Office, Ms Hilary Murphy-Fagan, chief executive officer, Ms Joan Curry, head of corporate services, and Ms Paula Lyons, head of employee shared services, Ms Lisa Hennessy, corporate governance. Seated behind the delegation is Mr. Matt O’Neill, head of payroll shared services operations,and Mr. Robert O’Toole, head of HR shared services operations.

I remind witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones should be turned off. That means on aeroplane mode and not just on silent mode because if they are only on silent they will interfere with the recording process here in the House.

I wish to advise witnesses of 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. Witnesses 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 of the committee are reminded of Standing Order 186, which provides that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

I call on the Comptroller and Auditor General to make a brief opening statement.