Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The first item on our agenda is a discussion with European Movement Ireland, EM Ireland, about its recently published accountability report, which covers the last financial year. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Councillor Neale Richmond and Ms Billie Sparks. The delegation will address the committee on two issues: EM Ireland's submission to the committee on the future of the EU and Ireland's relationship with it and the accountability report, in respect of which the delegates will provide some details of the statistics.

As members know, EM Ireland is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that works to develop the connection between Ireland and the EU. Its yearly accountability report measures a number of key indicators that track Ireland's engagement with the EU at a number of levels and, where relevant, outlines where potential improvements can be made. The report has been described as a scorecard of key issues in Ireland's engagement with the EU. I note Deputy Kyne flicking through the report. Members will note that it has a specific section on this committee's attendance and meetings. It also has a section on last year's fiscal compact treaty. Undoubtedly, members will wish to comment on those sections.

Before beginning, I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, make charges against or criticise a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her easily identifiable. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence that they are about to give the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular subject and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of that evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of today's 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 an individual or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it easily identifiable.

I invite Ms Sparks to speak first.