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

Apologies have been received from Senator Annie Hoey, Mr. Colum Eastwood MP, and Senator Rónán Mullen. All Members of the Oireachtas should attend this meeting remotely from their offices within the Leinster House campus. Remote participation from outside is not possible. If there is unwanted feedback, we may ask members to ensure their microphones are muted until necessary.

I propose a ten-minute rotation for speakers, as we have at every meeting. I propose to take the following order: Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, SDLP-Alliance, Independents and Aontú, including Senator Black, Sinn Féin, the Labour Party and the Green Party. The time allocation includes questions and answers, if that is acceptable. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Neil McCann, Mr. Patrick Quinn and Ms Noeleen Diver to the committee. I must read the standard privilege notice to the witnesses. 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.

Mr. McCann has come form the same county as me. He was a representative of Louth County Council when I first met him and I am delighted he is here today and will be our first speaker.