Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are now going to consider the topic of the future of community, social and economic development and co-operation in Border counties with representatives of Border Communities Against Brexit and the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, ISME. It should be noted that the committee invited the Confederation of British Industry in the North of Ireland to address us on this topic today, but the confederation has declined. I suggest that we send a letter to it asking it to come in future and leave our timetable open for it because I think its input would be very valuable in this regard. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the following witnesses to the meeting, Mr. John Sheridan and Mr. J.J. O'Hara, representing Border Communities Against Brexit and Mr. Neil McDonnell, chief executive officer, representing ISME. Cuirim míle buíochas rompu as teacht isteach inniu.

Before we begin I would like to 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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. I wish also to advise witnesses that the opening statement and other documents submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after the meeting.

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 call on Border Communities Against Brexit to address the committee.