John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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We will go into public session to resume our consideration of Brexit and will consider matters relating to customs, trade and tariffs. I welcome Mr. Niall Cody and his colleagues to the meeting along with Mr. Brian Keegan, director of public policy and tax at Chartered Accountants Ireland, and Ms Carol Lynch, partner at BDO Ireland.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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. However, 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 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask all those present to switch off their mobile phones and to make sure they are removed from the desk. I invite Mr. Cody to make his opening statement.