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

Today we have representatives from Allied Irish Banks with us. I welcome Mr. Bernard Byrne, chief executive officer; Mr. Jim O’Keeffe and Mr. Tom Kinsella. The meeting has to conclude at 11.30 a.m. so I ask members to bear the tight timeframe in mind when they are making their contributions. I acknowledge Ms Alex Malone and Ms Thea Malone in the Public Gallery. They are daughters of Yvonne Walsh, who has been jailed for the last number of weeks and whose case is up today in court for decision following issues with EBS loans being sold to a vulture fund. They represent the human impact of these cases. I wish both of them well. They have just finished their junior certificate and I wish them the best of luck.

I draw the attention of witnesses to 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. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Byrne to make his opening statement.