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

On behalf of our committee, I welcome Mr. Neil McDonnell, chief executive officer of the Irish SME Association, to discuss opportunities and differences facing businesses on both sides of the Border.

Before we begin I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards 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 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 the parliamentary precincts does and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter.

Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings should be given and that 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 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 person's or the 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 or her identifiable.

Before I call on Mr. McDonnell, I will explain a couple of things. We rotate the speaking order, so it will be Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, SDLP, Alliance, Greens, Sinn Féin, Labour, Independents, Aontú and so on. This will be a relaxed, informal discussion, and normally each group takes ten minutes. Mr. McDonnell should feel free to speak as he wishes. I now call on him to make his opening statement.