I welcome and extend a céad míle fáilte to everybody.
Before we hear from witnesses we have some business to attend to and I would like to clarify privilege. I remind members that they must be in the Leinster House complex or in the convention centre in order to attend this meeting. If members attempt to participate from outside the Leinster House precincts I will have no option but to ask them to leave the meeting.
I remind witnesses that as they are giving evidence from outside Leinster House, they may not have the same privilege as if they were attending in Leinster House. They may think it is appropriate to take legal advice on the matter. They are again reminded that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or damage the good name of any person. They must stop if I state they are breaking the rules. Is that acceptable? Agreed.
Before we start, I wish to get approval of the minutes of the committee meetings held on 1 June, which we have discussed in private session. May I have a proposer and a seconder?
