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

I note the minutes of the joint committee meeting of 12 October 2022 were agreed at an earlier private meeting. Today, we are dealing with Ulster Bank and KBC Bank. I welcome everyone to the meeting. We are joined by Ms Jane Howard, CEO, Ms Elizabeth Arnett, director of corporate affairs, Ms Louise Kelly, head of public affairs, from Ulster Bank and by Mr. Frank Jansen, CEO, Mr. Dermot Kieran, chief financial and products officer, and Mr. Darragh Lennon, director of retail distribution, from KBC Bank. The format of the meeting is that witnesses will give their opening statements after which we will deal with any matters that arise from that.

I remind witnesses and members of 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, her or it identifiable. Members who are attending from the Leinster House campus are covered by full parliamentary privilege and those attending outside of the campus may have limited privilege.

I call Ms Howard to give her opening statement.