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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Lahart and Nash. Today the committee will engage with the Minister for Finance on the draft stability programme update. I welcome the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, and Mr. John McCarthy, assistant secretary at the Department of Finance.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references the witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and the statute by absolute privilege. If witnesses are giving evidence remotely, however, from a place outside the parliamentary precincts, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. The witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise of 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. If a witness's statement are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they 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 members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, by name or in such a way to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the place that Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House or the convention centre, to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I now ask the Minister to make his opening statement.