Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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We are dealing today with the 2016 annual report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, chapter 7, Dormant Accounts Fund, under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development. We are joined by officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development, Mr. Kevin McCarthy, Secretary General, Mr. Fergal Costello, principal officer, Mr. Kenneth Jordan, principal officer and Mr. Eddie Forsyth, assistant principal officer. From the Department of Children and Youth Affairs we are joined by Mr. Conor Rowley, principal officer. From the Department of Justice and Equality we are joined by Mr. Deaglán Ó Briain, principal officer and from the Department of Health we are joined by Mr. Colm Desmond. From the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA, we are joined by Mr. Dave McEvoy, deputy director of funding, and Mr. Stephen Judge.

I remind members and those in the Public Gallery to switch off mobile phones or to put them into aeroplane mode.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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. Members are reminded of 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.

I call on the Comptroller and Auditor General to make his opening statement.