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

I have received apologies from Deputies Nash and Leddin. Today the committee will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the Public Service Performance Report 2020. I welcome our witnesses: Mr. Ronnie Downes, assistant secretary; Mr. John Kinnane, principal officer; and Ms Caroline O'Loughlin, assistant secretary.

Before we begin I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege for our witnesses and the practice of the Houses as regards references they 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, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. However, the witnesses are giving evidence remotely from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses are again 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 or 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 in respect of an identifiable person or entity they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members should also note on privilege that they 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, her or it identifiable. I remind Members of the constitutional requirement that they should be physically present within the confines of the place which the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House and or the convention centre in Dublin, to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a Member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any Member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I ask Mr. Downes to make his opening statement.