Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 30 March 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Working Group on Unification Referendums: Discussion

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have a number of witnesses so we will start. It is fine if any member joins in later. This engagement is with the Working Group on Unification Referendums on the Island of Ireland. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Alan Renwick, deputy director of the constitution unit at University College London, Dr. Etain Tannam and Dr. David Kenny from Trinity College Dublin and Professor Chris McCrudden, Queen's University Belfast.

I have to read a privilege note to the witness. It is a process at every meeting. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, witnesses and participants who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they should respect directions given by the Chair and 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 or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to that person's or entity's good name.

I invite Dr. Renwick to make his opening statement on behalf of his colleagues. If they wish to contribute immediately or prefer to wait for questions, that is fine.

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