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

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important as they cause inference for our broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

Today we will have engagement on alliance building to strengthen the European Union. I am very glad that Dr. Catherine Day is here to discuss this. She is well known to all of us as the former most senior European civil servant and currently serves in a number of roles, including as a special adviser to President Juncker. It is important that the EU is prepared for the future and for a future without the UK in it. We must look ahead and think about how strong relationships can be built between EU states and how Ireland can best contribute to this. Of course, alliances can go beyond governments working together. This is something on which many of us can work together in different spheres.

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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are about to give to the committee. If they are directed to cease giving evidence on a particular subject and they continue to do so, they are only entitled thereafter to qualified privilege in respect of the evidence they give. They are directed that only evidence concerned 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 an entity or a person either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. Day to make her opening statement and I am sure committee members will have questions and comments for her. It is an honour to have her here. As I have told her, her CV precedes her and she is known for her extremely strong work ethic, something I really admire in anybody. It is a privilege to chair a meeting at which she is attending.