John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)

I wish everyone a good morning. Apologies have been received from Deputy Ardagh. Deputy Aird will be a bit late. The first matter on the agenda is engagement on matters relating to the European Court of Auditors' special reports and reviews on social protection and rural development issues.

I must read a note on privilege before we begin. I advise members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to that constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House prior to making their contribution to the meeting.

Members and 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 may 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 their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I remind all those in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are switched off or in silent mode.

With us is Mr. Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors, Ms Emily Davis, secretary of Mr. Murphy's cabinet, and Mr. Brian Murphy, attaché to the cabinet of Mr. Murphy. The witnesses are very welcome and I thank them for accepting our invitation to attend. The committee welcomes the opportunity to engage with Mr. Murphy as president. I also congratulate him on his recent reappointment to another term as president and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the European Court of Auditors. The court is active in undertaking key studies and issuing publications. The committee looks forward to engaging with Mr. Murphy on several reports that refer to issues of relevance to both the social protection and rural and community development domains at EU level, but which also have impacts on Ireland.

I invite Mr. Murphy to make his opening remarks.