Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the UK ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Mr. Paul Johnston, along with his colleagues. In today's meeting we are looking forward to having a discussion on the future of the EU-UK relationship, which I believe will be the first opportunity for the committee and the ambassador to engage on that post Brexit. This will obviously be a crucial relationship as we progress.

Before I ask the ambassador to make his opening statement, I need to go through some technical housekeeping issues. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

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 of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in this public meeting. I cannot permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution.

I am now delighted to ask the ambassador to make his opening statement to the committee.