Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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We will proceed with No. 7 on today's schedule, matters relating to mortgage arrears and the resolution process. Before commencing business, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile telephones must be switched off to avoid interference with the broadcasting of the meeting.
I will move on to the formal part of the meeting and welcome the representatives of Ulster Bank. We are joined by Mr. Jim Brown, chief executive officer of Ulster Bank, Mr. Stephen Bell, chief risk officer, and Mr. Jim Ryan, head of branch banking in the Republic. The witnesses are present to assist the committee in the examination of mortgage arrears and the progress in putting in place solutions aimed at resolving difficulties in that sector. I thank Mr. Brown and his staff for the written material they provided to the committee in preparation for today's meeting.
The discussion will begin with opening remarks from Mr. Brown, following which questions may be put by members to the witnesses as appropriate. It is important that we manage our time well this afternoon. To derive maximum benefit from the meeting, each member will have a strictly limited time slot within which questions may be put and replies given. Questions from members and the witnesses' replies to same should be clear and concise.
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 the committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. The 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 or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
I invite Mr. Brown to make his opening comments.