Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The minutes of the joint committee's meeting on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 were discussed at our private meeting earlier. Are they agreed? Agreed.

In today's first session, the committee will engage with the Department of Finance to begin pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the access to cash Bill 2024. On behalf of the committee, I welcome: Mr. Oliver Gilvarry, assistant secretary with the banking and financial stability division; Mr. John Palmer, principal officer with the banking and financial stability division; and Ms Susan O'Reilly, principal officer with the international finance division.

The usual important note is that 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 that they should not 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 to 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place Parliament has chosen to sit, namely Leinster House, in order to participate in proceedings.

I now call on Mr. Gilvarry to make his opening remarks.