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

Senator Neale Richmond has let us know that he will be a little late. A number of MEPs were not able to make it here today and we have been asked to note their apologies, including Brian Crowley, Brian Hayes, Seán Kelly and Nessa Childers. I met with Brian Hayes in person a few days ago and he explained to me what he is doing today. He made it clear that he wanted to be here, but he cannot, nor can the others. Due to Murphy's law, at approximately 3.10 p.m., I will have to vacate the Chair to go to the Dáil as we have been selected for a Topical Issue debate.

I remind members, witnesses and people in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. I welcome Ms Mairead McGuinness, MEP, Ms Deirdre Clune, MEP, Ms Liadh Ní Riada, MEP and Mr. Matt Carthy, MEP and I thank them for taking the time to engage with the committee today. We hope to complete this session in one hour so with the agreement of the witnesses, owing to Ms McGuinness's role as first vice president, of which we are immensely proud, I propose to allow her to make a five minute opening statement first, following which each of the other MEPs will have an opportunity to make a five minute opening statement. We will then have a questions and answers session. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Today we are discussing the Brexit negotiations, the future of Europe, the future composition of the European Parliament following Brexit and any other issues which the MEPs and members would like to discuss. Before we commence, I must advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, 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 person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. 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 or body outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Ms McGuinness to make her opening statement.