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

We are dealing with matters in the banking sector and with KBC. From KBC, I welcome Mr. Paul Roebben, on his first appearance at the committee, Ms Dara Deering, Mr. Barry D'Arcy and Mr. Brendan Mahon.

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. 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 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 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Roebben to make his opening statement.