Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will engage with witnesses from the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, this morning. Today's meeting will focus on NAMA's financial statements 2020 and the Comptroller and Auditor General's special report 111, on NAMA's progress in the achievement of its objectives at the end of 2018. We are joined remotely from within the precincts of Leinster House by the following NAMA officials: Mr. Brendan McDonagh, chief executive officer; Mr. Aidan Williams, chairman; Ms Noelle Condon; chief financial officer; Mr. John Collison; chief commercial officer; and Mr. Jamie Bourke, head of strategy and communications. They are all very welcome.

When beginning to engage, I ask members and witnesses to mute their microphones when not contributing so we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are on silent or switched off.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privileges and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. As they are within the precincts of Leinster House, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they may say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply.

Members are reminded of the provision of Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 or her identifiable.

To assist the broadcasting service and the Debates Office, I ask members directing their questions to be specific. If a question has not been directed to a specific witness, I ask each witness to state his or her name on the first occasion they contribute. I ask the Comptroller and Auditor General to make his opening statement.