Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody for returning for this afternoon's session. On behalf of the committee, I warmly welcome Professor Colin Harvey from Queen's University, Mr. Liam Herrick from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Mr. Michael Farrell. At an early stage, members identified issues relating to citizenship as being vital considerations in the negotiations. We are grateful to the experts in the field who are present for taking the time to come and share their knowledge.

Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I suggest that all the witnesses take ten minutes each to make their opening remarks, after which we will take questions from the floor. As the witnesses may be aware, certain members have to attend other committee meetings so they will be coming and going.

I do not know whose phone is causing interference; thankfully it is not mine. I take this opportunity to remind everyone present to put their mobile phones on to flight mode or turn them off altogether. Unfortunately, it is not enough to place them in silent mode.

I call Professor Harvey, who will be followed by Mr. Merrick and Mr. Farrell.