Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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In this session we will continue our engagement on financial and inclusion issues. Our guests are Dr. Amie Lajoie and Mr. Gerard O'Brien. Dr. Lajoie is social policy and research executive at the Money Advice & Budgeting Service, MABS, and Mr. O'Brien is business manager with the same organisation.

The evidence of witnesses physically present or those giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witness are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that 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, or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with such direction.

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. I remind members who are attending remotely of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in a public meeting, of which this is one.

I invite Dr. Lajoie to make her opening remarks.