Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputies Nash and Cowen. This evening's engagement is to discuss the stability programme update, SPU. I welcome the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath, and Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, and their teams. I thank them for being here today. The stability programme report was published earlier in April by the Department of Finance. It sets out the current economic and fiscal outlook of Ireland's medium-term strategy and emerging economic risks. The committee is undertaking its own pre-SPU scrutiny and it welcomes the opportunity to engage with the Ministers on this matter.

Before I begin, I wish to explain some of the limitations to parliamentary privilege and practice of the House as regards references that may be made to other persons in evidence. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their presentations to the committee. It means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they may say at the meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue those remarks and it is imperative 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate when he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I invite the Minister for Finance, Deputy McGrath, to make his opening statement.