Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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We are meeting with Caranua about its financial statements for 2017. We are joined by Ms Rachel Downes, chief executive officer of Caranua. She is very welcome to this first meeting in her role as chief executive officer. We are also joined by Mr. David O'Callaghan, chairperson, Ms Sinéad Dwyer, director of services, and Mr. Michael Fitzpatrick, director of finance and corporate governance. From the Department of Education and Skills, we are joined by Ms Aoife Conduit, Ms Catherine Hynes, Mr. Aongus Ó hAonghusa and Ms Ann Gorman. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones should be switched off or put to airplane mode. Merely putting them onto silent will still interfere with the recording system.

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 this committee. However, if they are directed 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 nor 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 provisions of Standing Order 186 that they 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. While we expect witnesses to answer questions put by the committee members clearly and with candour, witnesses can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times, in accordance with the witness protocol.

I ask the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, to make his opening statement.