Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Ms Brenda McVeigh, Mr. Liam Smith, Mr. Jim Byrne, Ms Martina Shaughnessy and Ms Ilona McIlroy from the Department of Finance. There will be a short presentation to the committee which will be followed by a question and answer session. I remind all present that all mobile phones must be switched off.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and the witness continues to so do, the witness is entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.