Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Glyn Roberts of Retail Northern Ireland and Ms Lorraine Higgins of Retail Excellence Ireland. The witnesses will discuss some of the issues facing small businesses, North and South, arising from Brexit. The format of the meeting will be opening statements followed by questions and answers.

I remind members, guests and those in the Public Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones, tablets and other electronic devices are switched off completely or set in aeroplane mode for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording equipment.

I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the position on privilege. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person 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 or body outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for appearing before us. I invite Ms Lorraine Higgins to make her opening statement.