Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and those in the Visitors Gallery to please ensure that their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when in silent mode.

I welcome Mr. Paddy Malone, public relations officer, PRO, of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Jim Boylan, president of Warrenpoint Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Denis Brady, committee member of Warrenpoint Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Ian Talbot, chief executive officer, CEO, of Chambers Ireland, to the meeting to discuss the all-island economy with a view to generating recommendations on how to enhance economic co-operation and alignment across the island of Ireland.

I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that 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 directed by the committee 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 the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, 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. Members are reminded 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.

I remind our guests that their presentation should be no more than five minutes in duration. The version of the presentation submitted has already been circulated to members. I invite Mr. Malone to make the presentation.