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

We are dealing with item No. 6, which is the engagement with Bank of Ireland. I welcome members to the committee. I also welcome the bank officials, Ms Francesca McDonagh and Mr. Gavin Kelly. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss in general the topic of banking matters with the representatives.

I wish to explain some of the limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses with regard to reference that witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected by absolute privilege, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute. If, however, they are giving evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings a witness physically present would. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any 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 their statements are potentially defamatory 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 the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind them of the constitutional requirements that they must be physically present within the confines of the places in which Parliament has chosen to sit - Leinster House on this occasion - in order to participate in public proceedings. 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 Ms McDonagh to make her opening remarks. The opening statement which she has submitted can be taken as read and she can add some comments now, if she wishes. The members have been asked to keep their contributions tied to the questions they want to ask. We have only two hours and there are 15 members wishing to contribute. In terms of the questions asked, I ask that Ms McDonagh would give a direct answer in order to save time and not to answer questions that have been asked previously, so we can get as many members as possible to participate in the meeting. I welcome Ms McDonagh to the meeting and again invite her to make her opening remarks.