Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This morning we are meeting An Garda Síochána regarding the 2017 appropriation accounts, Vote 20 - An Garda Síochána, and Report on the Accounts of the Public Service 2017, chapter 7 - management of overtime expenditure in An Garda Síochána.

We are joined by the Commissioner, Mr. Drew Harris; Mr. John Twomey, deputy commissioner, policing and security; Mr. Joseph Nugent, chief administrative officer; and Mr. Rory McGinley, professional accountant, finance section. Seated behind are Mr. Andrew McLindon, director of communications and Ms Anne Marie Staunton, professional accountant, finance section. The representative from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is Mr. John Burke, principal officer. The representative from the Department of Justice and Equality is Ms Nuala Ní Mhuircheartaigh, principal officer, policing division. Ms Iqra Zainul Abedin is also from the Department.

As it is the Commissioner's first time in front of this committee, I wish him the best in his role on behalf of the committee. I gest when I say that if one is not here that often, that is good.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones must now be completely switched off.

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 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 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.