Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our next session of this morning's work relates to the eighth term of reference of this committee's work, on the future of Europe. I am very happy to welcome Ms Noelle O'Connell, executive director of European Movement Ireland. For everything to be in order, I must declare an interest in that I am a former employee of European Movement Ireland. Ms O'Connell was my boss. She was a very pleasant boss. I remain a voluntary member of the organisation. I am sure those present will all trust that this will in no way impair my ability to chair this meeting impartially. I will be as objective as possible. Ms O'Connell is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from her.

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. 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

With that out of the way, the floor is Ms O'Connell's.