Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses to the second session. On behalf of the committee I welcome Dr. Anthony Soares, director, Centre for Cross Border Studies; Professor Gerry Mc Kenna, senior vice president, Royal Irish Academy; and Mr. Martin McKendry, college director, College Of Agriculture Food And Rural Enterprise. I also welcome Cónall Ó Corra from the Royal Irish Academy who is in the Public Gallery. The witnesses are here to discuss North-South enrolment in tertiary education.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite the witnesses to make a brief opening statement. This will be followed by contributions from members of the committee, who will have five minutes each.

I remind witnesses 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 official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. If witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in any way, they will be directed by the Chair to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction from the Chair.

I invite Dr. Soares to make his opening statement. I ask that he and the other witnesses keep to the allocated five minutes. This is the second session and members have other business to attend.