Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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I will take that as a compliment. We will now discuss matters relating to macroeconomic forecasts with the officials from the Department of Finance. I welcome Mr. John McCarthy, Ms Mary Dalton, Mr. Shane Enright and Mr. Gavin Sweeney. Mr. McCarthy will make opening remarks with a PowerPoint presentation which will be followed by a questions and answers session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the public Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off.
I advise the witnesses that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or 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 ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. McCarthy to make his opening statement.