John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)

We will commence our second session. I welcome the representatives of the Charities Regulator: Ms Madeleine Delaney, chief executive, and Ms Rachel Rodgers, director of legal affairs and registration. I also welcome representatives of the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority: Mr. Fergal O'Leary, chief executive, and Ms Antonia Smyth, head of regulatory oversight and communications. As noted earlier, from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, we welcome Ms Colette Drinan, secretary and director of audit.

Members were advised of their duties in relation to any remarks made and I would like to outline the privilege notice to the witnesses. I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references 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 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 will now ask Ms Delaney to give her opening statement on behalf of the Charities Regulator. As set out in the letter of invitation, she has five minutes to make her opening statement.