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

I welcome the representatives from the Credit Union Managers Association, CUMA; the Credit Union Development Association, CUDA; the Irish League of Credit Unions; Irish Rural Link; the Public Banking Forum of Ireland; and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS.

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 joint 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 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.

There will be several opening statements. I will start with Mr. Molan.