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

At our private session earlier today, we approved the minutes of our meeting of 14 September. We are now joined by the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, and his officials, who are very welcome. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss banking issues, following on from the meeting we had last week with representatives of the main banks.

I remind attendees that the evidence of persons physically present at the meeting or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is, pursuant to the Constitution and statute, protected by absolute privilege. Members 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, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

I invite the Minister to give his opening statement.