Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I remind members who are participating in the meeting remotely that they must do so from within the confines of the Leinster House complex. I have received apologies from Senator Gavan. Other members will be joining us online presently.

Today's meeting is to discuss Ireland's trade relationship with Canada. The two countries share many common ties and enjoy a positive relationship. The trade relationship between Ireland and Canada has brought huge benefits to both countries. There are some 75 Canadian companies with a presence in Ireland, employing more than 15,000 people in total. More than 400 Irish companies have a presence in Canada, where they employ approximately 6,000 people. Continuing to strengthen the ties between our nations is a matter of great importance.

I am pleased to have the opportunity today to consider these matters further with representatives from the Ireland Canada Business Association, ICBA, the Ireland Canada Business Council, ICBC, and the Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Montreal. From the ICBA, I welcome Mr. Chris Collenette, who is joining us online, immediate past chair of the ICBA, vice president of corporate development at Think Research and consultant with Philip Lee LLP; Dr. Deirdre Giblin, ICBA chair and director of development and external engagement at the National College of Ireland; Ms Kate Hickey, ICBA executive director; and Ms Sara Murphy, executive director of the Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Toronto, who joins us online. From the ICBC, I welcome Ms Jacqueline Gilna, chair and CEO of We are Global Irish Inc; and Mr. Jonathan O'Hara, co-chair and partner in international trade law at McMillan LLP, Canada. From the Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Montreal, I welcome Mr. Vivian Doyle-Kelly, director and past president of the chamber.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices 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, if they give evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses who are physically present. Persons giving evidence from another jurisdiction should be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to all members, and they should have had a chance to read those. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. Collenette and Dr. Giblin to make opening remarks on behalf of the Ireland Canada Business Association.