Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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We have not received any formal apologies. We will have a short private session following the public session.

This engagement is to discuss the summer economic statement. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure, National Development Programme Delivery and Reform and their officials to the meeting. Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices 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 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 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 they comply with any 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 of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which the 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 is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

Before I invite the Minister for Finance to make his opening statement, I must invite Deputy Moynihan to take the Chair. The Dáil is moving rapidly through its business and I note that is now dealing with Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 to which I have tabled the first two amendments. I ask Deputy Moynihan to take the Chair and I invite the Minister for Finance to make his opening statement.