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

We have apologies from Deputies Ó Cathasaigh and Verona Murphy, who are engaged in other parliamentary duties. All in attendance are welcome and I remind them to ensure mobile phones are switched off or on silent.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference witnesses may make to other persons in 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. This means they 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 it is not abused. Therefore, if a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with that.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue their remarks and they must 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 long-standing 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 Mr. Tony Peteh, audit manager at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. They are welcome.

This morning we will engage with the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, to examine its financial statements of 2022 and the Comptroller and Auditor General's special report 116 - National Asset Management Agency: Progress on achievement of objectives as at end 2021. We are joined by the following representatives from NAMA: Mr. Brendan McDonagh, CEO; Mr. Aidan Williams, chairperson; Ms Noelle Condon, chief financial officer; Mr. Alan Stewart, chief legal officer; and Mr. Jamie Bourke, chief strategy and transformation officer. They are welcome.

I call on the Comptroller and Auditor General for his opening statement.