Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I thank members and witnesses for participating in today's meeting in line with the exceptional circumstances we have to deal with under Covid-19. I remind them that apart from me and members of the committee secretariat, all other members and witnesses are required to participate remotely and from within the Leinster House complex only.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss trade between Ireland and the Palestinian territories. Some time ago, following correspondence, we agreed to a request from the group, Sadaka, to address the issue. I remind everyone that today's meeting is about trade between Ireland and the Palestinian territories and I request that other issues are not discussed. From Sadaka, the Ireland Palestine Alliance, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Bertie Ó hAinmhire, board member, who is accompanied by two guest speakers, Mr. Hugh Lovatt, from the Middle East and North Africa programme of the European Council on Foreign Relations and Mr. Martin Konený of the European Middle East Project in Brussels.

Before we start I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses in respect of reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. 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, today's witnesses are giving their evidence remotely, from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts, and, as such, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. 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 witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. To commence our consideration of this matter, I now invite Mr. Ó hAinmhire to make an opening statement on behalf of Sadaka.