Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I welcome everyone to the meeting. Before we commence, I remind members and witnesses to switch off their mobile telephones as they cause interference with the sound quality and transmission of the meeting.

I advise the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members of the provision within Standing Order 158 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits or the objectives of such policies. I welcome Mr. Brian Purcell, Secretary General, Department of Justice and Equality. I understand this is Mr. Purcell's first appearance before the committee as Accounting Officer. I invite him to introduce his officials.