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

We have received apologies from Senator Mullen, Mr. Mickey Brady MP and Mr. Stephen Farry MP.

Today we continue our meetings on our Architects of the Good Friday Agreement project. We have met, and will continue to meet, a range of people involved in the peace process negotiations, both politicians and officials and other persons. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Bronagh Hinds, who co-founded the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition. She is very welcome indeed. Her participation highlights the huge importance of the role of women in the Northern Ireland peace process ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses regarding references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses 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 should be given, and 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 now call Ms Hinds to make her opening statement.