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

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they cause serious problems otherwise.

I would like to warmly welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Helen McEntee, and her officials. I thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule to attend the meeting. We always appreciate the valuable input that she makes to the committee and the time and consideration that she gives us. We all have a job of work to do. I have tremendous respect for committee members and they are working diligently on all aspects of our work.

One of the overriding issues, which is taking up a great deal of our time and hers, is Brexit. Over the past number of months, officials and representatives of the political and social spheres and tourism and farming sectors have appeared before the committee. It has been a fruitful, worthwhile exercise. Members have engaged in an extremely workpersonlike manner with the witnesses and the witnesses have been co-operative and understanding of the requirements, aims and ambitions each of us has for the future of Europe. Now more than ever, we have to look beyond Brexit to what will be the future of Europe for all our people and our exports and to our hopes and ambitions for future business and investment in the country. I also welcome our guests in the Gallery.

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.

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.

I call the Minister to State to make her opening statement, following which members may ask questions.