Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ar son an chomhchoiste fearaim fáilte roimh an Aire, Angus Robertson chuig an cruinniú inniu. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Angus Robertson and his team, Mr. Frank Strang, Mr. Ewan Crawford and Ms Katy McNeil, to today's meeting. The flight to Edinburgh is only an hour, so we are neighbours. In the few seconds we spent speaking prior to the meeting, we managed to cover everything from the beauty of Edinburgh to rugby and football, all things cultural and, of course, our close relationship. We are engaging today on the topic of post-Brexit relations.

We will begin with a note on privilege and some house-keeping matters. All 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 which might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who intends to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I will members partaking by MS teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting to confirm they are in the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

In order to limit the risk of spreading of Covid-19, the service encourages all members, visitors and witnesses to continue to wear face masks when moving around the campus or when in close proximity to others, to be respectful to each other's physical space and to adhere to any other public health advice.

I thank all present for their indulgence and I now call on Mr. Angus Robertson to make his opening statement.