Chairman:

I wish to apologise to apologise to our guests for keeping them waiting. Unfortunately, we had a lot of housekeeping matters to go through and we had to do some pre-legislative scrutiny on a Bill which took longer than expected. I thank the witnesses for their patience. I remind members, visitors and those in the Public Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off or are on aeroplane mode for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even while on silent mode.

I welcome from IBEC Mr. Gerard Brady, economist, and Mr. Arnold Dillon, Brexit campaign leader; from the British Irish Chamber of Commerce Mr. John McGrane, director general, and Ms Katie Daughen, head of Brexit research and services; and from Chambers Ireland Mr. Ian Talbot, chief executive, and Mr. Paddy Malone, public relations officer with Dundalk Chamber of Commerce. Our guests are here to discuss the likely economic impact of Brexit, with particular emphasis on jobs and enterprise and the steps being taken to mitigate these risks.

Before we commence, I am required to point out 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. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, 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 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 remind our guests that their presentations should be no more than five minutes in duration if possible. Members have been given copies of the presentations submitted by today's attendees. I now invite Mr. Arnold Dillon to make his presentation to the committee.