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

I welcome an Taoiseach here today. He is extremely welcome, as are his staff. We look forward to an excellent debate on the issues, which are of great importance, particularly those relating to the shared island unit and the fantastic work an Taoiseach is doing in that regard. I compliment his Department and, of course, Ms Aingeal O’Donoghue and Mr. Eoghan Duffy. They have been at meetings of the committee before, as has the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney. We have had very fruitful discussions.

We have received an apology from Mr. John Finucane MP, who cannot make it. Since parties elected in the North, to the UK Parliament and here in the South are represented on this committee, we will make use of a rotation to ensure every party represented in this Parliament and in the UK Parliament gets to speak. The rotation is as follows: Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Alliance, the Green Party, Sinn Féin, the Labour Party and then Independent Members, including Aontú. We might have a few minutes at the very end for a wrap-up. That is the general rotation. The committee is happy with that. We also agreed that, after nine minutes of a contribution, we will indicate that there is one minute to go so that everybody gets a fair share. Is everybody happy with that? Yes.

I have to read the notice on privilege for everybody. The evidence of witnesses physically present or giving 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 who is giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts. They 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 and 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 the person's or the entity's good name. We have to read that note before every meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside 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 members must be physically present within the precincts of Leinster House in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate if he or she is not here. That is standard and arises from the requirements of the Constitution.

I now call on the Taoiseach to make his opening statement, if he is ready. Cuirim fáilte roimhe arís. Beidh díospóireacht an-mhaith againn anseo inniu, le cúnamh Dé.