Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Anne-Marie Walsh, Ms Sinéad Ryan, Ms Orlagh Collison and Mr. Colin O'Connor from the Department of Finance. I also welcome Ms Maureen Marray and Ms Geraldine Hegarty from the Revenue Commissioners. Before we begin I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references the witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. 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 Chair, to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that 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 also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I now invite Ms Walsh to give her opening statement.