Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Barry Colfer, director of research at the Institute of International and European Affairs, IIEA. Dr. Colfer is joined by his colleague, Mr. Dylan Marshall. I also welcome Professor Gavin Barrett from the Sutherland School of Law at University College Dublin, UCD. At today's meeting, we will be discussing future treaty changes in the European Union.

Before we start, there is always a little note on privilege I have to read out. All witnesses are 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 or her 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, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

Members are reminded of the long-standing 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 Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will obviously be asked not to do so. In this regard, I ask members participating via MS Teams to confirm they are doing so from within Leinster House. With that note completed, I call Dr. Colfer to make his opening statement.