Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and delegates to turn off their mobile phones, as interference caused by them affects the sound quality and transmission of the meeting.

I welcome Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at Dublin City University and formerly of the ESRI. I thank him for attending.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the select committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 ask Professor Morgenroth to make his opening statement.