Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party)
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Apologies have been received from Deputies Richard Boyd Barrett, Cathal Crowe and Mattie McGrath. I ask everyone to turn off their mobile phones and devices or to put them on silent.

Before we begin, I wish to explain the limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House 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 that 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.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that, in order to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that, in order to participate in a public meeting, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask any members participating via Teams that, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

This afternoon's engagement forms part of our pre-budget 2026 scrutiny and engagements. I welcome from the Central Bank Dr. Robert Kelly, director of economics and statistics, and Dr. Martin O'Brien, head of the division for Irish economic analysis. The committee welcomes the opportunity to engage with both witnesses and I thank them for being here today. I now invite them to make an opening statement.