Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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We will now consider the topic of the future of community, social and economic development and co-operation in Border counties with representatives of InterTradeIreland. I welcome Mr. Thomas Hunter McGowan and Mr. Aidan Gough and thank them very much for their attendance. Before starting, I draw their attention to the fact 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 the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter but continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I advise the witnesses that their opening statement and any other documents submitted to the committee may be published by the committee on its website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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.