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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome our visitors, namely, Ms Margaret Hearty, Dr. Stuart Mathieson and Mr. Martin Robinson of InterTradeIreland; and Mr. Steve Harper of Invest NI. This is part of a two-stage meeting to discuss EU-UK trade and to look at how that is developing in the context of which members are aware. Before we begin with the witnesses' presentations and the more formal meeting, there is some housekeeping I must do in respect of a privilege statement.

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 the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue your remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are also 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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this requirement. Therefore, any member attempting to participate from outside the precincts is asked not to. We will now begin. I call Ms Hearty to make the opening statement.