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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Sinéad Gibney, chief commissioner, IHREC, Ms Alyson Kilpatrick, chief commissioner, NIHRC, and Ms Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner, ECNI, to discuss their very important work on Article 2 of the EU-UK withdrawal agreement ensuring the protection of human rights and equality.

Before we begin, I must explain some standard procedure on the limitations as to parliamentary privilege and the practices of our Houses as regards references the witnesses may make to other people 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, witnesses and participants who 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 giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts does and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice in this matter. Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter should be given and they should respect directions given by the Chair on the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible, they should neither 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 the person or entity named. That is standard for everybody.

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 the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members of the requirement that they must be present before they participate.

I call Ms Gibney to make her opening statement.