Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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The committee is now back in public session. I welcome the following officials from the Department of Finance: Ms Ann Nolan, second Secretary General; Mr. Declan Reid, senior banking specialist; and Mr. Des Carville, head of shareholding management unit. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to turn off all mobile phones or ensure they are on aeroplane mode.

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 it 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. 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 or make charges against any person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 186 that the committee shall 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 policy or policies. Finally, 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 House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Nolan to make her opening statement.