Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 30 June 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

European Court of Auditors Annual Report: Discussion

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Vincent P. Martin. Ar son an choiste, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chuir roimh an Uasal Tony Murphy from the European Court of Auditors and his team today, Ms Niamh Mahon and Mr. Brian Murphy.

Before we begin, witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

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 members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House and-or the Convention Centre Dublin in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any members who attempt to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via Microsoft Teams that, prior to making his or her contribution to the meeting, he or she confirms he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I call on Mr. Tony Murphy to make his opening statement.

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