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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Sherlock and Hourigan. Deputy Carroll MacNeill has informed me that she is at another committee meeting next door, but she will try to get in to us at some stage. I welcome everyone to the meeting. In accordance with public health guidelines, the wearing of face coverings is optional for members and witnesses.

Members of the committee attending remotely must continue to do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that, in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is a permanent witness to the committee. He is accompanied by Mr. Brian Hill, audit manager.

This morning we engage with officials from Home Building Finance Ireland, HBFI, to examine its 2020 financial statements. The committee has advised the HBFI that it may also wish to examine the issuance of bonds and unfinished estates during the engagement. We are joined in the committee room by the following officials from HBFI: Ms Dara Deering, chief executive officer; Mr. Sean Alger, head of credit and risk; and Ms Denise Donovan, head of operations and finance. They are all very welcome.

When we begin to engage, I will ask those attending remotely to mute their microphones when not contributing in order that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all those in attendance to ensure that their mobile phones are either in silent mode or switched off.

I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege, and the practice of the Houses in respect of reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. As they are within the precincts of the Parliament, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means that 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 it is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue and it is imperative that they comply with such directions.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, to make his opening statement.