Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ar son an choiste, on behalf of the committee, cuirim fáilte roimh Ms Noelle O’Connell, príomhfheidhmeannach, agus leas-phríomhfheidhmeannach, Mr. Stephen O’Shea, ó European Movement Ireland chuig an gcruinniú inniu. They are very welcome to the meeting. Béimíd ag caint faoin an torthaí a bhaint amach ón Conference on the Future of Europe, the comhdháil on the future of Europe. We will discuss the outcome of that agus na torthaí of the latest polling by European Movement Ireland, EMI.

Before we begin, I will read the note on privilege. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make any charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members all know the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I am leaving out bits and bobs there because I think everybody is okay with that.

We are looking forward to our discussion today and to digging into the poll results. We are assuming that there is good, positive news in there and positive news stories. I will hand it over to Ms O’Connell to make her opening statement.