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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Matthews. Today we are engaging with the Minister for Finance.

On privilege, 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. Members who are attending remotely may have limited privilege, whereby full privilege is extended to members and those who are conducting the meeting from the precincts of Leinster House.

I call on the Minister to make his opening statement.