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

We will now consider the future of community, social and economic development and co-operation in Border counties with representatives of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Louth County Council. Later in the meeting we will discuss the same topic with officials from the special EU programmes body. I welcome the following witnesses: Mr. John Kelpie, chief executive officer and Mr. Michael Gallagher, strategy manager, representing Derry City and Strabane District Council; and from Louth County Council, Councillor Paul Bell, cathaoirleach, Ms Joan Martin, chief executive officer, Mr. Frank Pentony, director of service and Mr. Joe McGuinness, director of service. I wish to note for the record that we did invite Alderman Hilary McClintock, mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, and very much regret that she decided not to participate in today's discussion of an issue which is of such importance to Donegal, Derry and Strabane.

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 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.

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. The witnesses' opening statements and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I invite Councillor Bell to make his presentation first as I am aware he is under time pressure.