John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)

This morning we will engage with Inland Fisheries Ireland to examine the 2023 financial statements. The committee will also examine the Comptroller and Auditor General’s Special Report 118 – Governance Internal Control and Value for Money Issues in Inland Fisheries Ireland. We are joined by the following officials from Inland Fisheries Ireland: Mr. Barry Fox, deputy chief executive officer, Ms Suzanne Campion, head of finance and corporate services, Dr. Fiona Kelly, head of research, policy and risk, Mr. Milton Matthews, acting head of operations, and Mr. Michael Cusack, field services manager. We are also joined by an official from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment who is here in a representative capacity, namely, Ms Martina Hennessy, assistant secretary general. Finally, we are joined by officials from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General: the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is a permanent witness to the committee and Ms Ruth Foley, deputy director of audit. They are all very welcome.

I wish to 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 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, and 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 that they comply with any such direction.

Witnesses are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that you 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 that they comply with any such direction.

I now call on the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, for his opening statement.