Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I welcome our next guest, Reverend Dr. Gary Mason with whom we will discuss the impact of religious sectarianism, the trauma caused by conflict and how the Good Friday Agreement can be used as a template for negotiations in international relations. Reverend Mason is joined by Professor Peter McBride, CEO of the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health. We have met with Reverend Mason many times and are delighted that he could formally meet the committee today. Professor McBride is also welcome.

Before I invite Reverend Mason to make his presentation I advise him that he is protected by absolute privilege in respect of utterances at this meeting. However, if he is directed by the committee to cease making remarks on a particular matter and continues to do so, he is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his remarks. He is directed that only comments and evidence connected with the subject matter of this meeting are to be given and he is asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, he should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House of the Oireachtas or a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call on Reverend Mason to proceed with his opening statement.