Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a meeting held in conjunction with the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action. Its purpose is to discuss the relevant European Court of Auditors report relating to the remit of both committees. On behalf of members, I welcome the president of the European Court of Auditors, Mr. Tony Murphy, secretary in the cabinet of the president, Ms Emily Davis, and attaché in the cabinet, Mr. Peter Borsos.

I will now go through some housekeeping matters. On 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 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue those remarks. 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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members partaking via Microsoft Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contributions.

I am pleased to chair this joint meeting of the joint committees, which I hope will be an interesting couple of hours. I invite Mr. Murphy to make his opening statement.