Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Ms Olivia Buckley, communications director, and Ms Anne Gunnell, senior tax policy manager from the Irish Tax Institute. As they will know, having listened to the previous guests, the committee is engaged in its pre-budget scrutiny process. We look forward to availing of this opportunity to discuss the matter with the delegation.

I wish to advise that 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 select committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are duly 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Buckley to make her opening statement.