Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Seán Crowe. We expect a vote will be called in the Dáil imminently and will suspend if it is called. I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are switched off as they cause interference with the broadcasting equipment.

Today, the committee will conclude its series of meetings examining critical issues facing Ireland in the event the United Kingdom withdraws from membership of the European Union. A referendum on this question has been promised by the current UK Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, if he is returned to power following next month's general election. This committee took the decision to examine this issue in view of the potential impact on this country and on the many Irish citizens living in the United Kingdom and on the many UK citizens living in Ireland. Our discussion today will focus on Lisbon treaty protocols and geopolitical and regional issues. We are delighted to have with us today the expert witness, Professor Jennifer Todd, from the school of politics and international relations at University College Dublin.

Professor Todd is very welcome to our meeting and we look forward to hearing her views.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are requested to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with today's proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

We are not talking about the merits of whether a referendum on the United Kingdom's exit from the EU should take place in another sovereign nation, but about the impact such a withdrawal would have on our nation.