Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Chambers, tá fáilte romhat. Fair play to you.

Ar son an choiste, on behalf of the committee, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh Mr. Barry Andrews, MEP, go dtí an cruinniú inniu. You are very welcome to the committee today. We look forward to this engagement on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For witnesses attending remotely outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to evidence they give.

Members are reminded of long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members who are participating via Teams, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. My apologies to members. I have to read the privilege statement out verbatim every week but that has to be done. If any members have trouble going to sleep at night, I would advise them to learn it off by heart. I find it very helpful when falling asleep.

I call on Mr. Barry Andrews to make his opening statement.