Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is just a month ago. I wish Ms McCaffrey the best. We are joined by Mr. Aidan O'Driscoll, Secretary General, Mr. Michael Flahive, assistant secretary, Mr. Seamus Clifford, principal officer, Mr. Noel Dowling, principal officer, and Ms Anne Marie Treacy, assistant principal officer. From the Irish Prison Service, we are joined by Ms Caron McCaffrey, director general, Mr. Don Culliton, director of human resources, Mr. Derek Caldbeck, director of finance and estates, and Mr. John McDermott from the office of the director general. We are also joined by Mr. John Burke from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I remind witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones are to be switched off or put on airplane mode, because merely putting them on silent can still interfere with the recording system.

I advise 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 the committee. 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 of the committee are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect that the committee shall 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.

We will start with the opening statement of the Comptroller and Auditor General.