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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne. On behalf of the committee I warmly welcome Ms Sinéad Gibney, chief commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC; Ms Alyson Kilpatrick, chief commissioner, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, NIHRC; and Ms Geraldine McGahey, OBE, chief commissioner, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. They will discuss their joint publication entitled European Union Developments in Equality and Human Rights: The Impact of Brexit on the Divergence of Rights and Best Practice on the Island of Ireland.

Before we begin, I will read a note that is read out at every meeting about 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 this 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 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 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 her or it identifiable.

The speaking order for witnesses is Ms Gibney, Ms McGahey, and then Ms Kilpatrick. If the witnesses wish to change that order, please do..