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

We have received apologies from Mickey Brady MP, Colum Eastwood MP, and from Senator Ó Donnghaile.

For the information of the members and the witnesses, we have a system to rotate through the speakers so that every party and group gets an opportunity to comment on what they might want us to talk about. Sinn Féin is up first. It was to be Fianna Fáil but there are tributes to the former Deputy, Noel Treacy at 2 p.m. and, therefore, Senator Blaney asked that we would take Fine Gael and then Fianna Fáil if everybody was happy with that. We will then take parties in the following order: Social Democratic and Labour Party, SDLP, Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, the Green Party, Sinn Féin MPs, Labour Party, Independents, Aontú, and then Senators Mullen, Black and so on. I propose that we allocate ten minutes to each group.

I welcome Ms Naoimh McNamee, chief executive officer; Mr. Pat Hynes, programme manager; Ms Terri O'Brien, programme co-ordinator; Ms Helen Irish, corporate services executive; and Ms Katherine Martin, assistant programme manager, Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.

Before we begin, I will read a standard note that I have to read before every meeting to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice 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 give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within those precincts, and they 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 proceedings should be given. They should respect directions given by the Chair and also respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible they should neither criticise nor 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 the person or entity.

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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Hynes to make his opening statement, and we will then move around to each group as outlined earlier.