Chairman:

Apologies have been received from Deputy Stephen Donnelly. I remind members, visitors and those in the Gallery that mobile phones must be switched off, or in flight mode, for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode.

I welcome Ms Ruth Taillon, director, and Dr. Anthony Soares, deputy director, from the Centre for Cross Border Studies; Mr. Dan O'Brien, chief economist, Institute of International and European Affairs and Mr. John McGrane, independent member of the Institute of International and European Affairs' UK working group and Dr. Martina Lawless and Dr. Edgar Morgenroth, associate research professors from the Economic and Social Research Institute, to this meeting at which we will discuss the likely economic impact of Brexit, with particular emphasis on jobs and enterprise, and the steps being taken to mitigate any risks that may arise.

Before we commence, I advise the witnesses 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 this committee. 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 qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind our guests that their presentations should be of no more than five minutes duration if possible. Members have been circulated with the presentations that were submitted by today's attendees. I now ask Ms Ruth Taillonto make her presentation to the committee.