Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have not received any apologies. Today we are joined by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath. They are welcome. I thank them very much for joining us this afternoon. The Minister, Deputy McGrath, is accompanied by officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, including Ms Caroline O'Loughlin, assistant principal for performance budgeting, Mr. John Kinnane, principal officer, central expenditure policy and reporting division. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, is accompanied by officials from the Department of Finance, including, Mr. Niall Cassidy, principal officer in the economics section and Ms Anne-Marie Walsh, principal officer in the tax section.

Today we will discuss the committee's interim report on the framework for parliamentary engagement throughout the budgetary cycle, the potential for enhanced parliamentary engagement, and the capacity of the Executive to support an enhanced framework. This is the committee's final engagement before it publishes its final report.

Before we begin I wish to explain to the witnesses some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference they may make to other persons in their evidence. Pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, the evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected by absolute privilege. However, if they are giving evidence remotely from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts, as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in regard to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirements that they must be physically present within the confines of the places in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House and the Convention Centre Dublin, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I invite the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy McGrath, to make his opening statement. Due to technical problems we cannot hear him. We will try to establish contact. If we cannot sort out the sound issue I will call on the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, to make his opening statement. I am sorry, but we cannot hear him either.