Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I remind members, witnesses and people in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones for the duration of the meeting.

I welcome Professor Alan Matthews of Trinity College, Dublin. It is an honour to have him appear before the committee today to discuss the issues presented by Brexit and the impact of the UK referendum on membership of the European Union on the Irish agrifood and fisheries sector and the review of the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, post-2020. We are all aware that the CAP is expected to develop over the coming months and there will be a great deal of discussion on it before that is concluded. We appreciate you giving your time to discuss both of these matters.

Before we begin, I draw the witness's attention to the fact that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her 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 invite Professor Matthews to make his opening statement on Brexit.