Neale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Thank you for coming back for this afternoon's session. I am delighted to welcome Dr. Anthony Coughlan, a professor emeritus from Trinity College, Dublin, to give us a second line on the future of Europe, which is an element of today's discussion.

As you might be aware, Dr. Coughlan, we had Noelle O'Connell from European Movement Ireland before the committee this morning. We look forward to hearing your insight and opinion as well as some of the items you believe might be relevant in looking at Ireland's future or otherwise in Europe in the post-Brexit era. Before I invite you to make your remarks, Dr. Coughlan, I will read out the standard note on privilege, so please bear with me.

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 the committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you 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.

With all that out of the way, Dr. Coughlan, I invite you to make your opening remarks.