Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum, the meeting will now commence. Apologies have been received from Senators Ó Donnghaile, Craughwell and Feighan. Deputy O'Dowd might be able to join us later, hopefully. The theme we are addressing now is voting rights in Northern Ireland and we are delighted to hear from Professor Colin Harvey. Members will be aware that the Government has proposed a referendum to extend the franchise in the election of the Irish President. Before we begin, I will complete the official statements.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones. I am not looking at anyone. Members are requested to ensure that for the duration of the meeting mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to aeroplane, safe or flight mode, depending on the device. It is not sufficient for members to just put their phones on silent mode as this will maintain the level of interference with the broadcasting system.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or body outside the Houses of the Oireachtas 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 their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by the Chair 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 also directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or body outside the Houses of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I welcome Professor Harvey. He has latitude to speak not only about the main issue in focus today but also about other issues. I invite him to make his opening statement.