Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone to consideration of the Chapter 13 - development of ICT systems by the Department of Justice and Equality, and the appropriation accounts Vote 24 - Justice and Equality.

We are joined by officials from the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. From the Department of Justice and Equality I welcome Ms Oonagh McPhillips, acting Secretary General to the meeting. It is Ms McPhillips's first meeting at the Committee of Public Accounts in that capacity. She is accompanied by Mr. Donncha O'Sullivan, Mr. John O'Callaghan, Mr. Michael Kirrane, Mr. Seamus Clifford, Mr. John Kennedy, Mr. Noel Dowling and Ms Anne Marie Treacy from the Department. From the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform we are joined by Mr. Eoin Dormer. All of the witnesses are very welcome to today's meeting.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery to turn off their mobile phones. Putting phones onto silent mode is not adequate because it will interfere with the recording system.

I advise 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of that 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 the provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. While we expect witnesses to answer questions put by the committee clearly and with candour, witnesses will be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times, in line with the witness protocol, which is standard in the House for all Oireachtas committees.

The lead speaker for this session is Deputy Alan Kelly, who will have 20 Minutes, and the second speaker is Deputy Jonathan O'Brien who will have 15 minutes. Other members have indicated in the following sequence: Deputies Marc MacSharry, David Cullinane, Catherine Connolly and Catherine Murphy.

I invite Mr. Andy Harkness from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General to make the opening statement.