Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones completely or switch them to safety or flight mode for the duration of the meeting. It is not sufficient for members to place their phones on silent mode because they may still interfere with the broadcasting system.

I welcome to the meeting Mr. John Kelpie, chief executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council; Mr. Seamus Neely, chief executive, Donegal County Council;Councillor Seamus Ó Domhnaill, cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and chairman of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership group; Councillor Gus Hastings, member of Derry City and Strabane District Council and chairman of the North West Regional Development Group; and, last but not least, Councillor Bernard McGuinness, member of Donegal County Council and vice-chairman of the North West Regional Development Group. Cuirim fáilte anseo rompu. The witnesses are most welcome.

Before we commence, I remind witnesses of the notice relating to privilege. 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 to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 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 outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The format will be that we will first have opening statements from witnesses, after which we will have a question and answer session with members. I invite Mr. Ó Domhnaill to make his opening statement.