Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Verona Murphy, Brady and O'Connor who are tied up with other business.

I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode. Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege, and the practice of the Houses as regards reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. 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. As they are within the precincts of Leinster House, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means that witnesses have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that does not happen. 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 that.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are also reminded of the longstanding parliamentary practice 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 or her identifiable.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is a permanent witness to the committee. He is accompanied this morning by by Mr. Paul Southern, deputy director of audit at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. This morning, we will engage with the Department of Justice to examine the following: Appropriation Accounts 2021; and Vote 24 - Justice. We are joined from the Department of Justice by Ms Oonagh McPhillips, Secretary General; Mr. Doncha O'Sullivan, deputy Secretary General, civil pillar; Mr. John O'Callaghan, deputy Secretary General, criminal pillar; Mr. Aonghus O'Connor, principal officer, finance and procurement; and Mr. William O'Dwyer, principal officer, immigration service delivery. We are also joined from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform by Mr. Daniel O'Callaghan, principal officer. They are all very welcome.

I call the Comptroller and Auditor General to make his opening statement.