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

I will members to please turn off their mobile phones and to identify yourselves if you are making a contribution to the meeting. Those members and witnesses who are in Leinster House will have privilege, but those who are not in the precincts of Leinster House will not have full privilege. Those attending Leinster House are those who will be involved in this committee meeting.

I welcome from the Central Bank of Ireland, Ms Gráinne McEvoy, director of consumer protection, and Mr. Kevin O’Brien. The purpose of today’s meeting is to continue detailed scrutiny of the Consumer Credit (Amendment) Bill 2018, a Private Members' Bill tabled by Deputy Doherty. The format will be that we will ask Ms McEvoy for her opening statement, and thereafter we can take questions and answers from the members.

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, her, or it identifiable.

I call on Ms McEvoy to give her opening statement.