Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Joan Collins. I ask members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or ensure they are in silent mode. Members participating in the meeting remotely should use the raise hand icon on Microsoft Teams if they wish to contribute.

The committee will consider the Public Service Performance Report 2022 with officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development. This is the committee's second engagement on the report, following consideration of it with officials from the Department of Social Protection last week. As part of the committee's work on performance indicators, it is hoped we can collaborate with the Departments in the coming year on the targets selected to appear in the performance report. Scrutiny of these measures will play a pivotal role in the committee's consideration of the Revised Estimates and the public service performance report for 2023. Performance-based budgeting aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public expenditure by linking the funding of public sector organisations to the results they deliver by making systematic use of performance information. The key output of this project is a framework to tag and track all areas of public expenditure across dimensions of equality, wellbeing, the sustainable development goals, SDGs, and green budgeting. I welcome Mr. J.P. Mulherin, assistant secretary, corporate affairs and strategic development division; Ms Deirdre Kelly, principal officer, social inclusion and communities unit; and Mr. John Orme, assistant principal officer at the finance and evaluation unit.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references 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. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise nor 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. 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 or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Mulherin to make his opening statement.