John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)

This morning, we will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to discuss its report on the accounts of the public services 2023.

We welcome the following officials from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation: Mr. David Moloney, Secretary General; Ms Niamh Duff, principal officer, corporate division; Mr. John Pender, principal officer, work and pensions division; Mr. David O’Sullivan, assistant secretary, Office of Government Procurement; and Ms Kate Ivory, principal officer, infrastructure division.

We welcome the following officials from the National Shared Services Office: Ms Bernie Kelly, NSSO CEO; and Mr. Seán Reilly, NSSO head of corporate services.

Finally, we are joined by officials from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General including: the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is a permanent witness to the committee, and Ms Irena Grzebieniak, deputy director of audit. The witnesses are all very welcome.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. 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 Cathaoirleach to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such direction.

Witnesses are also 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, they will be directed to discontinue your remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I ask Mr. Seamus McCarthy to make his opening remarks.