Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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I welcome our guests. This engagement is with representatives from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the acting chairperson of the council, Professor Michael McMahon, and Dr. Adele Bergin and Mr. Niall Conroy. Twice a year, we have an opportunity, as part of the EU semester, to meet the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council to consider issues raised in the fiscal assessment report. The report was published earlier this month and raises a number of issues directly relating to the committee's work in our budgetary scrutiny role. We look forward to hearing what Professor McMahon has to say.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an honest defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting.

This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege 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. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or an official, by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I invite Professor McMahon to make his opening statement on behalf of IFAC.