Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This morning we will have two sessions. The first is the 2017 Appropriation Accounts, Vote 4 - Central Statistics Office. The second is Vote 8 - Comptroller and Auditor General. We want to complete both sessions before the voting block at approximately 1 p.m. Members and witnesses will be pleased to hear that we are allocating one hour and 15 minutes to this session. The second session will cover the same period. Immediately after lunch, we will have a final session with Professor Chris Fitzpatrick on the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board. That will be after the voting session.

The first session today is to discuss the Vote of the Central Statistics Office. I welcome from the CSO Mr. Pádraig Dalton, director general, Ms Maria Hurley, Ms Jennifer Banim and Mr. Richard McMahon. This is Mr. Dalton's first appearance before the committee.

I advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee - that means me, as Chairman, acting on behalf of 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 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 provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect that the committee should refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. While we expect witnesses to answer questions asked by the committee clearly and with candour, they can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times in accordance with the witness protocol.

I ask Mr. McCarthy, Comptroller and Auditor General, to make his opening statement.