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

We are dealing with No. 5, the difficulties being experienced with insurance. The committee recently heard direct evidence about the difficulties faced by businesses with the escalating costs of insurance. To assist us in our consideration of this matter, I am pleased to welcome: Mr. Declan O'Rourke and Mr. Owen Kelly from AIG Insurance; Mr. John Quinlan, Mr. Brian Mahon and Mr. John Farrell from Aviva Insurance; and Mr. Anthony Brennan and Ms Siobhán Corbett from Zurich Insurance.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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. We have a number of opening statements. I invite AIG to give its opening statement first.