Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Chairman, Senator Richmond, is not available today, he has asked me to be the temporary Chair. Is that agreed? Agreed.

We have received apologies from the Chairman, Senator Neale Richmond, and Senators Niall Ó Donnghaile and Ian Marshall. I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important because it causes serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

I welcome representatives from Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Universities Association here today to update the committee on the implications of Brexit for the education and research sector and preparations for Brexit. This is an important sector for Ireland and I know members of the committee are interested in our guests' assessments.

Before we begin, I have to remind everyone 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 a person outside the Houses or an official either 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. 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.

I ask Professor Ferguson and Dr. Keating to make their opening statements. I am sure committee members will have questions and comments thereafter.