Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the representatives of the North West Region Cross Border Group, Councillor Paul Canning, chairman, Councillor Hugh Hastings, vice chairman, Ms Carol Margey, manager. The North West Region Cross Border Group is comprised of 22 elected representatives as well as the chief executives and county managers of the five local authorities, Derry City Council, Donegal County Council, Limavady Borough Council, Magherafelt District Council and Strabane District Council. The organisation recognises that there are many issues which impact on people on both sides of the Border and that working together can help to achieve greater success in addressing those issues. We look forward to exploring cross-Border initiatives to develop and strengthen the local economy and to enhance the socio-economic position of the north-west region.
I advise the witnesses that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.