Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, it is a pleasure to welcome so many local representatives to the Seanad. I understand the Ireland/Northern Ireland Border Corridor Local Authority Group comprises all of the local authorities on both sides of the Border. It is very important to all of us to hear about the issues and solutions its representatives identify for their constituents. We have heard a great deal about the potential impact of Brexit on Border counties and, as such, this is a key session in our work. The leadership the delegates have all shown should be commended. I also welcome the representatives of Dublin City Council. If not the first, Dublin City Council was one of the very first bodies to work methodically and in-depth on the impact of Brexit. We appreciate very much the generosity of the delegates in sharing their learning with us. We will start with Councillor P. J. O'Hanlon and then move on to Mr. John Kelpie, Ms Joan Martin, Councillor Stephen McCann, Councillor Paul McAuliffe and Mr. Greg Swift. That will be the speaking order.

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 they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I thank colleagues for coming and appreciate that some of them may have to leave early. If that is the case, they should, please, feel free to do so at a time that is suitable. We will continue until we have completed the job we have come to do. I start by calling on Councillor P. J. O'Hanlon, cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, to commence his contribution. He is more than welcome.