Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Today's meeting will consider the topic of credit union financing for social housing. The meeting will consist of two sessions. I welcome to our first session, from the Irish League of Credit Unions, Mr. Ed Farrell, CEO and Mr. David Malone, financial controller.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the joint 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Farrell to make his opening statement.