John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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No. 4, the No Consent, No Sale Bill 2019, is a Private Member's Bill in the name of Deputy Pearse Doherty. I welcome the officials from the Central Bank of Ireland and from the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. The Central Bank is a separate entity from the two Departments and the committee acknowledges its independence. This joint session was suggested to be more time efficient.

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 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.

The representative of the Central Bank will provide the first opening statement. We will take both opening statements and then proceed with questions. I call Mr. Sibley.