Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The committee will discuss issues on tendering and procurement regarding €26 million worth of ICT contracts in An Garda Síochána. This matter was discussed at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality’s meeting with the Policing Authority on 21 March. In our role, as public spending watchdog, we are following up on the matter as it relates to 2016 financial accounts.

We are joined today from An Garda Síochána by: acting Commissioner, Dónall Ó Cualáin, Mr. Joseph Nugent, chief administrative officer; Mr. Michael Culhane, executive director of finance and services; Mr. Liam Kidd, executive director of ICT; Mr. Niall Kelly, head of internal audit section; Mr. John Cunnane, head of procurement; Mr. Kieran Downey; Superintendent John Ferris; Ms Gail Malone, strategic transformation office; and Ms Therese Carolan, internal audit.

We are joined from the Department of Justice and Equality by Ms Nuala Ní Mhuircheartaigh, principal officer, policing division, and Ms Tracey Germaine, assistant principal office, policing division. We are also joined from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform by Mr. Jim Deane, head of policy, Office of Government Procurement.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off. That includes putting them on flight mode, as putting them on silent mode is not adequate as it will still interfere with the recording equipment.

I wish to 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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of the 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 persons or entity, by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 186 that the committee shall also 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 can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times, in accordance with the witness protocol. Does the Comptroller and Auditor General wish to make an opening statement?