Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy James O'Connor. Everyone is very welcome. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are on silent mode or switched off.

Before we start, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice 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 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 and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure 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 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 within Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from enquiring 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 to the committee. He is accompanied this morning by Ms Olivia Somers, deputy director at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

This morning we will engage with representatives of the Road Safety Authority, RSA - it is their first attendance at the Committee of Public Accounts - to examine the RSA's 2022 financial statements. We are joined by the following representatives of the RSA: Mr. Sam Waide, chief executive officer; Mr. Brendan Walsh, chief operations officer; Mr. Michael Rowland, director of research, standards and assurance; Ms Kim Colhoun, director of finance and corporate services; Ms Nessa Kelly, director of strategy, performance and transformation; and Ms Sarah O'Connor, director of partnerships and external affairs. We are also joined by the following officials from the Department of Transport: Dr. Keith Walsh, assistant secretary; and Mr. Tomás Campbell, principal officer. They are all very welcome.

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