John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)

We will engage with the Accounting Officer of Uisce Éireann to discuss its 2024 financial statements. We are joined by the following officials from Uisce Éireann: Mr. Niall Gleeson, chief executive officer, Mr. Chris McCarthy, chief financial officer, Mr. Sean Laffey, asset management and sustainability director, Ms Maria O'Dwyer, infrastructure delivery director, and Ms Margaret Attridge, head of water operations. We are also joined by Mr. Brían Munnelly, principal officer at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 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 Maria Reck, audit manager. You are all very welcome to our committee.

I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references attendees may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. This means that 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. It is my duty as Cathaoirleach 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 they comply with any 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 their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I call the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy.