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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Sir John Major. Sir John is a former UK Prime Minister. He did exceptionally important work for peace on this island. He was a major contributor to the peace we currently have. In particular, through his relationship with our former Taoiseach, the late Albert Reynolds, and the Downing Street Declaration in 1993, Sir John was very involved in the Northern Ireland peace process in the years leading up to the Good Friday Agreement. On behalf of our Parliament and all of the members of this committee, I acknowledge the fantastic work he did and how much we appreciate his attendance here.

I will read the standard note on parliamentary privilege that all of our witnesses must listen to. There are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses. The evidence of witnesses who are 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 are to give evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, 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 the meeting should be given. They 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 that person or entity's good name.

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 constitutional requirement to the effect that they must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in meetings.

I am sure Sir John is used to this process. The committee was very happy to receive his opening statement in advance. For clarity, we are very happy that we will have a ten-minute break after about an hour and 15 minutes. If Sir John wishes to request a break at any stage, he can just indicate and we will be happy to facilitate him. I call on him to make his opening statement