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

I ask members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. I ask speakers to identify themselves by name for the record of the committee. At the previous meeting we approved the minutes of the meeting of 13 July 2022.

We are meeting with representatives of AIB to discuss ATM services, branch banking and other matters. I welcome Dr. Colin Hunt, Mr. Jim O'Keeffe, Ms Helen Dooley and Mr. Adrian Moynihan to the committee.

I remind everyone of the notice on privilege. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses attending remotely from outside the parliamentary campus have been made aware that full privilege may not apply. They are again 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, 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 statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with the note on privilege.

I invite Dr. Hunt to make his opening statement.