We are discussing the Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Appropriation Accounts, Vote 41 - An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Witnesses should be aware that they do not enjoy absolute privilege. Persons being invited before the committee are made aware of those rights and any persons identified in the course of proceedings, who are not present, may have to be made aware of those rights and provided with a transcript of the relevant part of the committee's proceedings if the committee considers it appropriate in the interests of justice. Notwithstanding this provision in the legislation, I remind Members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I ask Mr. Philip Furlong, Secretary General of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, to introduce his officials.