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

Apologies have been received from Senator Niall Blaney. The first, pleasant duty I have is to welcome our new member of committee, Senator Malachai O'Hara, who represents the Green Party. He is more than welcome and we look forward to working with him over the time that remains, be that long or short. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Professor John Doyle, vice-president of research at DCU, and our two witnesses from the ESRI, Dr. Adele Bergin, associate research professor, and Professor Seamus McGuinness, research professor. We are continuing our meetings on finance and economics and resuming our discussions on the all-island economy. I thank the witnesses for their attendance.

I will 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 is protected, pursuant to both to 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 should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair. They should also respect 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 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 any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Some members are attending online. Witnesses will see them on the screens. The way this committee operates is that each party or group is allocated time - it will be ten minutes initially today - after which there will be an informal question-and-answer session. The rotation is as follows: Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, SDLP, Alliance, Sinn Féin, Independents and we also have the Green Party member. We give preference to members who are present but we make sure everyone is included. We take a relaxed, informal approach.

I thank the witnesses for their patience. I call Professor Doyle to make his opening statement.