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

Our engagement today is with representatives of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Paul Clancy, chief executive officer, and Mr. Aidan O'Kane, president, who is also director of Allstate NI.

I must now read a note on privilege, as I do at the beginning of every meeting. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precinct 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 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 the proceedings should be given. They should respect directions given by the Chairman 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.

I invite Mr. Clancy to make his opening statement, followed by Mr. O'Kane.