Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The minutes of the joint committee's meetings on Wednesday, 15 February 2023 and Tuesday, 21 February 2023 were agreed at the committee's earlier private meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Today's meeting is to discuss issues concerning investment funds, non-banks, as they operate in the Irish market. On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome Mr. David Hall, Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation, IMHO; Mr. Padraic Kissane, financial services adviser; and Mr. Brendan Burgess, consumer advocate.

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 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 their 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 any such direction.

Members are also 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. I remind members who are attending remotely of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely Leinster House, in order to participate in the proceedings.

I invite Mr. Padraic Kissane, who is our first contributor, to make his opening statement, to be followed by Mr. Hall and Mr. Burgess.