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

Today, the committee will engage with the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, IFAC, regarding the fiscal assessment report.

I welcome our witnesses from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council: Mr. Sebastian Barnes, chairperson, Dr. Adele Bergin, Mr. Alessandro Giustiniani, Ms Dawn Holland and Professor Michael McMahon, council members, and Dr. Eddie Casey, chief economist and head of secretariat.

Before we begin, I will explain to the witnesses some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references they 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 statute by absolute privilege. However, witnesses 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 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, 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 witnesses' statements 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 again 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 either by name or in such a way as 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 which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, either Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin, in order to participate in these 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 the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I call on Mr. Barnes for his opening statement.