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

The proceedings of Oireachtas committees are now conducted without the requirement for social distancing, with normal capacity in committee rooms restored. However, committees are taking a graduated approach to this change. Members and witnesses have the option to attend meetings in the relevant committee room or online, through Microsoft Teams. All those attending the committee room and its environs should continue to wear masks throughout the meeting. They may only be removed when addressing the committee. Members should continue to wash their hands, avail of sanitiser outside and inside the committee room, be respectful of other people's physical space and practise good respiratory etiquette. Those with any Covid symptoms, no matter how mild, should not attend. Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Members who are participating in today's meeting remotely are well aware that they must do so from within the Leinster House complex only. So far, apologies have been received from Senator Marie Sherlock.

I thank everyone for attending to discuss the impact of Brexit on trade in Ireland. Last year was the first full year of trade following the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Recently published figures appear to indicate that there has been a substantial increase in cross-Border trade in both directions. While imports from Britain have declined, there is a suggestion that some Irish firms that traditionally relied on imports from Great Britain may have switched supply chains last year to firms in Northern Ireland. I am pleased to have the opportunity to consider this matter today. To assist the committee in this regard, I am pleased to welcome, from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Anne Coleman-Dunne, Mr. John Hughes, Ms Fiona Kilcullen and, remotely, Mr. Andrew Colgan. I am pleased to welcome from InterTradeIreland, by remote connection to the meeting, Ms Margaret Hearty, CEO, Ms Kerry Curran and Ms Deirdre Maguire.

Before we start I must mention some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses with regard to references that 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. 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. If the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with all such directions.

The opening statements have been circulated to all members. To commence our consideration of the matter I invite Ms Hearty to make her opening remarks on behalf of InterTradeIreland.