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

I want to propose the rota for questions. This was a Fianna Fáil nomination. It is not a political nomination but each party nominates groups that it would like to come in. I will call Fianna Fáil members first followed by Fine Gael, the SDLP, the Alliance Party, Independents, Aontú, Sinn Féin, the Labour Party and the Green Party. We have seven guests coming so I will ask the chairman of the Irish Central Border Area Network, ICBAN, Councillor Eamon McNeill, to nominate the people who will speak in reply to each question. I propose to give 15 minutes to each group where its members can ask questions or make a statement and then our guests will give their replies. After approximately 14 minutes, I will let members know that there is a minute left in that particular slot in order to be fair to everybody. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Our engagement this morning is with ICBAN to discuss its strategy document The Framework of Regional Priorities for the Central Border Region of Ireland/Northern Ireland, 2021-2027. In particular I would like to welcome Councillor Eamon McNeill, who is the chairman of ICBAN and of the framework of regional priorities, FRP, implementation sub-committee. On behalf of the committee, I welcome our guests: Councillor David Maxwell; Councillor Gary Doherty; Councillor Paul Robinson; Mr. Brian Johnston; Mr. Shane Campbell; and Mr. Andy Hallewell. I appreciate that Brian Johnston, head of tourism at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has a prior appointment and will have to leave at 11 a.m.

I must read a privilege wording that I must say legally to the witnesses. We say this 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 does 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 the proceedings should be given. They should respect directions given by the Chair and the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor 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, persons or entity's good name.

I call Mr. Campbell, ICBAN chief executive officer, CEO, to make his opening statement. He is very welcome.