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

We received apologies from Senator Craughwell. I remind people of the mobile phone notice and ask them to ensure their phones are switched off. I am delighted that today we are having an exchange of views with the Irish delegation to the European Committee of the Regions. I am delighted to welcome all the members of the Irish delegation to that committee who have joined us, including the head of the delegation, Mr. Michael Murphy, as well as Mr. Kieran McCarthy, Mr. Jerry Lundy, Mr. Gerry Murray, Ms Deirdre Forde and Ms Mary Freehill. As a committee, we have made a concerted effort to engage with those who represent Ireland in the different European institutions or those originally nominated by Ireland but not serving the European Union directly. This is vital and a key part of that picture is the European Committee of the Regions, so this is a very important engagement. I appreciate that every one of the witnesses is very busy in different roles and I appreciate them taking the time to be here today, as I know committee members do as well.

Before beginning I remind everybody of the rules on privilege. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official 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 do so, 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 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.

I ask Mr. Murphy to give his opening statement. We will have a fluid arrangement and if people wish to interject, we will have an open conversation if that is all right. We need not be too formal or regimented about it.