Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome our guests, Ms Adrienne Murray, CEO, Ms Geraldine Kelly, chairperson, and Mr. Pat Kilbane, head of finance and risk, of Microfinance Ireland. They are here to discuss the progress made since its establishment and related issues. They are very welcome. I thank them for coming in today. This meeting was organised at short notice because of committee changes and I appreciate them making themselves available.

I wish to advise the 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Murray to make her presentation on the progress made since the establishment of Microfinance Ireland and related issues.