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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the IFAC Mr. Sebastian Barnes, chairman, Dr. Eddie Casey, chief economist, Mr. Brian Cronin, economist and Mr. Killian Carroll, economist. It is important to note, in terms of parliamentary privilege, that people cannot say whatever they want about whomsoever they might want, even within the confines of this committee room. Full privilege is accorded to those who are members of the committee and who are in the appropriate location, namely the confines of Leinster House. 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 House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members attending remotely must also have regard to these rules.

I now invite Mr. Barnes to make his opening remarks.