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

In this second session we will engage with the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland as we continue our pre-legislative scrutiny of the access to cash Bill. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the BPFI, Mr. Brian Hayes, CEO, Mr. Gavin Purtill, director of regulation and supervision, Ms Gill Byrne, head of payments, and Mr. Ali Ugur, chief economist.

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 official outside the House either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members who are attending remotely of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings.

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 again 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 otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I invite Mr. Hayes to make his opening remarks.