Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I wish all members good luck, health and happiness in 2017 and thank them for their committed work on the committee.

Today we will engage with Mr. Gerry Kiely from the European Commission Representation in Ireland. I welcome him on behalf of the joint committee. He was appointed head of representation last year.

For the information of members, two European Commissioners will visit Leinster House this month. Commissioner Moscovici who is responsible for economic and financial affairs, taxation and customs matters will be here on 24 January, while Commissioner Vestager who is responsible for competition matters will visit on 31 January. Both will appear before the Joint Committee on Finance to discuss matters within their remit. The Houses are involved in the work of the European Commission. Today the committee will consider the European Commission's annual work programme which sets out the Commmission's legislative and policy agenda for the year ahead. It is entitled, Delivering a Europe that Protects, Empowers and Defends. It sets out several new initiatives, as well as continuing the process of the Juncker Commission's Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme REFIT initiative.

I remind members 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.

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. If, however, 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. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I invite Mr. Kiely to make his opening remarks. I will then invite my colleagues to put questions to him. I thank Mr. Kiely for taking time out of his busy schedule to be here. It is very much appreciated.