Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have an extensive agenda. We will examine the 2017 annual report of the Comptroller Auditor General and appropriation accounts: Vote 37 - Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; chapter 11 - regularity of social welfare payments; chapter 12 - JobPath employment activation service; chapter 13 - actuarial review of the Social Insurance Fund; chapter 14 - overpayments of age-related jobseeker's allowance; and chapter 20 - PRSI contributions by the self-employed. In the afternoon we will examine the 2017 Social Insurance Fund. To provide a structure for the meeting, we will take all matters related to rent supplement and the housing assistance payment and the chapter on PRSI contributions by the self-employed in the afternoon when we will also be joined by representatives from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Revenue Commissioners.

This morning we are joined from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection by Mr. John McKeon, Secretary General; Mr. John Conlon, Ms Anne Vaughan, Ms Kathleen Stack, Ms Deirdre Shanley, Ms Patricia Murphy and Mr Jim McDonnell. Given the extent of the agenda, I acknowledge and thank the Department for its efforts at relatively short notice to provide briefing material in advance of the meeting. We are also joined by Ms Gráinne McGuckin from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off completely or left in airplane mode. Leaving them in silent mode is not sufficient as they will still interfere with the recording and broadcasting systems.

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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 provisions within Standing Order 186 that the committee shall refrain from enquiring 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 policy or policies.

While we expect witnesses to answer all questions asked by the committee clearly, witnesses can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times, in accordance with the witness protocol. We will start with the opening statement from the Comptroller and Auditor General.