Vice Chairman:

In our second session today we will discuss the Narrow Water Bridge proposal. I am particularly pleased to welcome the witnesses, Ms Joan Martin, chief executive officer, Louth County Council and Mr. Liam Hannaway, chief executive officer, Newry Mourne and Down District Council. I invite the witnesses to make a brief opening statement to be followed by a question and answer session.

I ask everybody to ensure their mobile phones are completely switched off. My similar request at the first session was effective and we had no interruptions. The recording of proceedings will be much better if people follow that request.

I am also obliged to read a notice regarding privilege. 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 or body outside of the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it 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 joint 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.

I welcome Ms Joan Martin and Mr. Liam Hannaway in particular and the many people in the Visitors Gallery who are interested in this issue. I invite Ms Joan Martin and Mr. Liam Hannaway to make an opening statement.