John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Our first session will see a discussion with the Central Bank on the Report on Local Public Banking in Ireland. I welcome Mr. Ed Sibley and his colleagues to the meeting. 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 the committee. 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 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 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.

I invite Mr. Sibley to make his opening remarks. I advise members that he has to leave. He might indicate when he is going.