Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin our business today, members will have noted the order passed by the Dáil yesterday approving the 12th report of the Standing Committee of Selection which discharged Deputy Seán Crowe from this committee and nominated Deputy David Cullinane to it. I thank Deputy Crowe for his work on the committee. He always took the committee's work very seriously and provided invaluable insights from which we all have benefitted. While he will be missed, I am sure Deputy Cullinane will ably take his seat and we welcome him to the committee.

We have received apologies from Senators Richmond and Craughwell.

I welcome the ambassador from Sweden, Ms Anna Brandt, in the Visitors Gallery and thank her for her attendance.

I remind members to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off. This is important as it causes serious problems for the broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

Today's meeting is an engagement on the future of Europe with European Movement Ireland. On behalf of the members, I welcome Mr. Maurice Pratt, chairperson, and Ms Noelle O'Connell, executive director, to our meeting as we continue our engagement on the future of Europe. I previously had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Ms Noelle O'Connell in her role as executive director. Few organisations are as active in European Union affairs as European Movement Ireland, an organisation that is very familiar to this committee for explaining the EU and how it works to our citizens and for encouraging many to engage and work with the institutions. We are delighted the witnesses are present today.

Before we begin I must remind everybody of the rules on parliamentary privilege. 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 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I invite Mr. Pratt and Ms O'Connell to make their opening statements after which members will ask questions.