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

We will now be holding a discussion on alliance-building to strengthen the European Union. I welcome The Wheel's European programmes manager, Ms Deirdre Finlay, and its director of public policy, Mr. Ivan Cooper. From the Law Society of Ireland I welcome Mr. Ken Murphy, director general, and Cormac O Culáin, public affairs manager.

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for attending.

The Irish Farmers Association, IFA, was meant to be represented today. It was very ably represented yesterday during an emergency briefing with Members of the Oireachtas on the proposed Mercosur trade agreement. Unfortunately, the IFA representatives who should have attended today had to travel abroad for other meetings. We fully understand that and I apologise on their behalf. They were adamant that they wished to be here but one cannot be in two places at the same time. Their apologies should be noted. They would like to be here and the IFA is always very forthcoming and engages with the committee on all matters.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 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, persons 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Cooper to make his opening statement on behalf of The Wheel. He will be followed by Mr. Murphy from the Law Society of Ireland. I will then open the floor to questions and comments from members.