Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The agenda for today's meeting is to discuss the impact of Brexit on Irish and UK businesses, post-Brexit trading relationship between Ireland the UK and Brexit opportunities. I will now read the note on privilege. Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence that they give to the committee. This means that a witness has a full defence in a defamation act or anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third party or entity. Witnesses who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliament precincts, so may consider it appropriate to take legal action on this matter. Privilege against information does not apply to the publication by them, outside of the proceedings held by the committee, of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House campus. In this regard, I ask all members, prior to making their initial contribution, to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. If they are directed to cease giving evidence by the Chair, I ask them please cease to do so.

The witnesses for today's meeting are Mr. John McGrane, director general, Mr. Paul Lynam, director of policy, and Mr. Cillian Molloy, policy associate at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. I thank all three for their attendance at the committee this afternoon. I call on Mr. McGrane to make the opening statement on behalf of the group.