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

Ten-minute speaking slots have been allocated to each party group but these are applied in a relaxed and informal manner. The rotation is as follows: Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, the SDLP, Independents and subsequently, it depends on what other members attend. Some members are attending online.

Apologies have been received from Senator Frances Black and Stephen Farry, MP. On behalf of our committee, I very much welcome Mr. Paul Mac Flynn and Dr. Tom McDonnell, co-directors of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, to discuss the all-island economy. I thank them for their attendance.

Before we commence, 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 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 not criticise or make charges against any person, 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 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.

I invite Mr. Mac Flynn to make his opening statement.