Witnesses should be aware that they do not enjoy absolute privilege and should be appraised as follows: Members' and witnesses' attention is drawn to the fact that, as and from 2 August 1998, section 10 of the Committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Compellability, Privileges and Immunities of Witnesses) Act, 1997, grants certain rights to persons who are identified in the course of the committee's proceedings. 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 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 149 which state that the committee should also refrain from inquiring 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.
Members should note that the committee is concerned with the accounts specifically listed for examination and the administrative and operational control aspects related to same which are within the knowledge and competence of the witness being examined.
I invite Mr. Teahon to introduce the personnel accompanying him.