John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Today we will examine the 2012 Annual Report and Appropriation Accounts of the Comptroller and Auditor General - Vote 39, HSE: section 38 agencies' remuneration. We will also examine the report of the interim administrator appointed by the HSE to the CRC and Friends and Supporters of the CRC Limited.

Before we begin proceedings, I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery to please turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound quality and transmission of the meeting. I also advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the House, nor an official, by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 163 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

I welcome Ms Laverne McGuinness from the HSE and I ask her to introduce her officials.