Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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We will discuss the review of the global taxation architecture in the context of base erosion and profit shifting. I welcome Mr. Gary Tobin and Ms Kate Levey from the Department of Finance. Mr. Eamonn O'Dea and Mr. John Fanning from the Revenue Commissioners are also in attendance. The format of the meeting will be that Mr. Tobin will make some opening remarks which will be followed by a question and answer session.

I advise witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any person or persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Mr. Tobin, before we begin, do you mind if we publish your opening statement on the web, because it is eight pages long and I believe some short opening remarks will be sufficient?