Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Senators and all the members of the committee, I welcome Mr. William Graham, Professor Peter Shirlow from the University of Liverpool, Ms Alison Grundle, Mr. Andy Pollak, Mr. Brian Dougherty and Mr. Derek Moore from the North West Cultural Partnership and Mr. Ian Marshall from Queen’s University Belfast. I thank Mr. Marshall for coming back to the House; we are grateful for his presence. Joining us remotely is Ms Claire Sugden MLA, Independent Unionist, who is most welcome. I thank her for engaging with the committee on this important topic of listening to unionist voices and their views regarding Northern Ireland as it could be within the United Kingdom. In this public consultation, we are anxious to get the views of all sides. As has been noted by previous contributors, one lesson from the Brexit referendum is that nobody was listening to the other side or point of view, and Mr. Marshall made the point in his submission that the most important part of a conversation is not talking but listening.

Before we begin with our guests' submissions and contributions, I must read out the following statement. I remind everyone 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 that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any 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. For our guest attending remotely from outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations on parliamentary privilege and, as such, she may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present.

Members are also 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 House or an officer either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Sugden to make her opening statement.