Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As always with meetings where we are joining remotely, we will bear with one another because there can be technical difficulties. So far, however, things have been running smoothly.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Pat Ivory and Mr. Neil Willoughby from IBEC to today's meeting. In the second half of the meeting, Mr. Paul Kelly from Food Drink Ireland's food and drink sector will participate. As we are all aware, Brexit has had serious implications for the Irish economy and the business sector. Today's agenda involves a discussion on the impacts of the implementation of the trade agreement between the EU and the UK on the business sector as a whole and, in particular, the food and drink sector.

I remind witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence that they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence in respect of 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 subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are 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.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on or make charges against a person outside of the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask members to mute their devices if they are not contributing and to keep their mobile phones turned off or on silent mode.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House campus. This requirement applies to Members of the Oireachtas only. I ask that all committee members, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. Participants in the meeting from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to the note that the constitutional protection afforded to those participating from within the parliamentary precincts does not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given on whether, or the extent to which, their participation is covered by absolute privilege of a statutory nature. Therefore, if they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

I call Dr. Ivory to make his opening statement to the committee, and I thank him for participating in this meeting.