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

We have received no apologies from members. On behalf of the committee I welcome officials from the shared island unit at the Department of the Taoiseach who are joining us today to discuss the unit's work to date and future plans. We are joined by Ms Émer Deane, assistant secretary, British, Irish and Northern Ireland affairs division, and Mr. Eoghan Duffy, principal officer. In a past role, Ms Deane was seconded to the Houses of the Oireachtas and has experience of working on the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I am sure that she would have learned many skills from that activity. Her service there was very much acknowledged by the members. I thank them both for their attendance today.

There are 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 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 asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair. Witnesses should respect parliamentary practice to the effect, where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any persons, person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person.

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.

I call Ms Deane to give her opening statement.