Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, and his officials to our meeting. We will be engaging with the Minister on the Special EU Programmes Body, SEUPB.

Before we begin, I am obliged to read a housekeeping note on privilege. All witnesses are 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 identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a witness's statements are potentially defamatory to an identifiable person, they will be directed to discontinue the remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise and make charges against a person outside of 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 Leinster House complex 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 member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member who participating online to indicate that they are on the Leinster House campus grounds.

Those were the technicalities. I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.