Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Before we commence our business I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off to avoid interference with the broadcasting of the meeting. I welcome the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, and his officials to the meeting. The witnesses are here to assist the committee in its examination of the November ECOFIN meeting agenda. The discussion will begin with opening remarks by the Minister following which members may put questions to him.
I 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 the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses 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 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. I invite the Minister to proceed with his opening remarks.