Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I open the first public session of the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. Before we get to the main item of business, I take a quick moment to think of our many colleagues and friends at Westminster following yesterday's awful attacks. We have had a great deal of discussion in recent weeks with our colleagues in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and all of our thoughts are with them and, in particular, the security staff and police forces both in the United Kingdom and here, the role of which in protecting democracy we sometimes take for granted.

Apologies have been received from Senators Frances Black, Michael McDowell and Michelle Mulherin. Apologies have also been received from Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile who will not have a substitute as the entire Sinn Féin Seanad delegation are in Derry. We send our sympathy to them.

I remind all members and visitors to ensure mobile phones are switched off or set to airplane mode. Leaving them in silent mode will not work to prevent interference with the microphones.

I welcome members and, on their behalf, the officials who join us from the Department of Justice and Equality, Mr. Noel Waters, Secretary General, and his colleagues, Mr. James Martin and Mr. William O'Dwyer.

The meeting marks the beginning of a new, substantive piece of work for the Seanad. Since the referendum in the United Kingdom last June, there have been a number of debates. I note that several members are involved in very good technical work on each of the areas to be covered. This Seanad special select committee will add an important and different element to the work of the Oireachtas, building on the work that has already been done. In considering a number of important issues together the committee should have the capacity to bring a constructive, an holistic and a considered approach to bear. It is determined to focus on the most significant challenges identified, the solutions stakeholders and others are exploring and developments to address these challenges and the implementation of solutions. The committee was formed only recently and is determined to begin to engage quickly. As such, this session marks the beginning of its important contribution which will remain solution-focused and practical.

There are a number of substantial areas which the committee will cover but one which deserves early attention is the common travel area. This is an area of policy and a way of living, from which almost all of us have benefited in travelling to the United Kingdom. Those living in Border areas sometimes benefit from it on a daily basis. The easy movement of people across the Border has become essential to everyday life. As such, I am delighted to welcome the Secretary General and his colleagues. Senators are interested in the Department's work in preparation for negotiations and to safeguard the common travel area.

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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Waters to make his opening remarks before I open the floor to members for questions and comments.