Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates from the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association of the Canadian Parliament: Mr. David Tilson, Ms Annick Papillon and Ms Joyce Bateman, Members of the Canadian House of Commons; and Ms Joan Fraser and Mr. David Tkachuk of the Canadian Senate. Delegates are informed that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. They are further advised that the opening statements they have submitted will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary 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.

There is a great deal to discuss. We are all looking forward to Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the European Union which will allow us to play our part in facilitating co-operation between member states in 2013. It is especially important for this country, given the many problems we face, that there is an ongoing successful engagement within Europe. We are particularly interested in the continuing development of the European Union and the future of the eurozone, of which we are and intend to remain an integral part. Like Canada, the European Union is a major economic power and has an important role to play in the world economy. Our relations with each other are very important and I am very interested to hear the delegates' views on the comprehensive economic and trade agreement and the strategic partnership agreement. The particular focus of this meeting will be the European Commission's proposed measures for the implementation of the fuel quality directive. Ireland is in favour of these proposals, but I realise they are a source of concern for Canada. We are eager to hear the representatives' views in this regard. I call on Mr. Tilson to make his opening statement.