Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I ask everyone to put all mobile phones and devices on silent. Before we begin, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. They are protected under absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. 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.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask any member partaking in the meeting via Teams to ensure that prior to making their contribution, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

This afternoon's engagement is to discuss the fiscal assessment report. I welcome Mr. Seamus Coffey, chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and lecturer in the department of economics at University College, Cork; Dr. Adele Bergin, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council member and associate research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute; and Mr. Niall Conroy, acting chief economist and head of secretariat at the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. I thank the witnesses for being here today.

The fiscal assessment report, Ireland's Outlook: Strong Today, Uncertain Tomorrow, was published in June. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council publishes two fiscal assessment reports each year and this is one of its main reports. This report assesses the Government's annual progress report.

It looks at the economic environment, the overall fiscal stance, the forecast and how it complies with fiscal rules.

The committee welcomes the opportunity to engage with the council on this report. I now invite the council members to make their opening statement.