John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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We have received apologies from Senators Alice-Mary Higgins and Maria Byrne and Deputy Stephen Matthews.

Today the committee will undertake pre-legislative scrutiny of the future Ireland fund and infrastructure, climate and nature fund Bill 2023. We have as witnesses officials from the NTMA and the Department of Finance. I have quite a list of people here. From the NTMA I welcome Mr. Nick Ashmore, Mr. Dave McEvoy and Ms Susan O'Halloran. From the Department of Finance I welcome Mr. Oliver Gilvarry, assistant secretary, banking and financial stability; Mr. John McCarthy, chief economist; Mr. Pat Leahy, principal officer, banking and financial stability division; Ms Rose O'Connor, assistant principal officer, banking and financial stability division; Jack Neilan O'Connor, administrative officer, banking and financial stability division; Ms Moya Moore, legal adviser; and Mr. Colm Roche, assistant principal officer in the economics division. They are all very welcome. I hope I did not leave anyone out. That is my list of runners and riders. We have them all here. We have a small crew on this side but they are formidable. I think the witnesses know each one of them.

I remind everyone about privilege as it relates to the evidence both sides are to give the committee. 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. Those joining us online may have just limited privilege, whereas if you are on the campus of Leinster House, you have full privilege.

Mr. Ashmore, you are to give us an opening statement. Then I will call Mr. Gilvarry.