Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Apologies have been received from Deputies Cannon and McAuliffe, who are unavoidably absent. The witnesses are very welcome. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. This means that witnesses have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure it is not abused. 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 any such direction.

Members and witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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. Members are also reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 218 that the committee 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 policies.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is a permanent witness and is accompanied today by Ms Olivia Somers, deputy director at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

This morning, we will engage with officials from the National Pediatric Hospital Development Board, who have appeared before the committee a number of times in the past four years, to examine the financial statements for 2022 for the National Pediatric Hospital Development Board. We are joined by the following officials from the National Pediatric Hospital Development Board: Mr. David Gunning, chief officer; Mr. Phelim Devine, project director; and Dr. Emma Curtis, medical director. We are also joined by the following officials: from the Department of Health, Mr. Eamonn Quinn, principal officer for major capital projects; and from the Health Service Executive, Mr. Martin McKeith, assistant lead director, children's hospital project and programme. They are all very welcome.

I call on the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. McCarthy, to make his opening statement.