John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Senators Higgins and Sherlock. The minutes of the 27 September 2023 meeting were agreed in private session.

I welcome Mr. Gary Tobin, assistant secretary at the Department of Finance; Mr. Gerald Angley, counsellor; and Ms Hazel Ryan, EU budget attaché.

I remind members and witnesses of the note on privilege. Members are covered by full privilege when attending on the campus of Leinster House. Outside of that there may just be limited privilege. 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 or entity outside the Houses or an official either 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 concerned.

I invite Mr. Tobin to make his opening statement.