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

We will commence in public session when the technicians have set up the cameras. Today we are resuming our meetings in our study Architects of the Good Friday Agreement project. We will be meeting with a range of people who were involved in negotiations, both politicians and officials. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Mark Durkan to this meeting. I thank him for attending. Mr. Durkan was a key member of the SDLP negotiating team in the run up to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, Deputy First Minister from 2001 to 2002 and Leader of the SDLP from 2001 to 2010.

Before we begin I will explain some limitations in regard to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses. The evidence of witnesses physically present in the committee room or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to constitutional 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 following the proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts does and 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 these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the directions given by the Chair and the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, 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 that person's or entity's good name.

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

Mr. Durkan will be familiar with such parliamentary procedures. I now call on Mr. Durkan to make his opening statement.