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

We have received apologies from Deputy Stephen Matthews. At an earlier meeting, the committee adopted the minutes for 24 and 31 January.

In today's public session, the committee will engage with the Central Bank of Ireland. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Governor, Mr. Makhlouf, the deputy governors and their officials. I thank them for their attendance.

I also welcome Ewan Morris in the Public Gallery. He is a student from Ballon, County Carlow, who attends Kilkenny College. He is in transition year and is interested in politics. He wants to see where Mr. Makhlouf is taking the country in the future, for the next generation. He is welcome and I hope he enjoys his day in Leinster House.

I will read a note on privilege. Witnesses and members who are attending here on campus are covered by full privilege, those that are not may have only a part privilege. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or official outside the House either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite the Governor to give his opening statement, please.