Chairman:

We were having an issue getting into public session. I have already welcomed all the viewers watching proceedings on Oireachtas TV and asked everyone to turn off their mobile phones or switch them on to flight mode.

I extend a warm welcome on behalf of the committee to our witnesses from the Department of Finance: Mr. Derek Moran, Secretary General, Mr. John McCarthy, Ms Mary McSharry and Mr. Gerry Kenny. I also welcome Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General, and his colleagues, Ms Patricia Coleman, Ms Mary Austin and Mr. Ken Cleary from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

I advise 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. However, if 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 entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling 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 call Mr. Moran to make his opening statement.