Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and persons in the Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off or in aeroplane mode for the duration of the meeting as otherwise they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

The next matter for consideration is a discussion on the likely economic impact of Brexit, with particular emphasis on jobs and enterprise and the steps being taken to mitigate the risks that present. We are very happy to welcome Mr. Chris Hazzard, Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure, and Mr. Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Northern Ireland Minister of Finance, to the meeting today. The committee has been engaging with stakeholders on this topic for the past two months.

Before we commence, I draw the attention of witnesses 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 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 take no longer than ten minutes. I invite the Minister, Mr. Hazzard, to make his opening statement.