Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Cullinane. I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. I am glad we are having an engagement with the Institute of International and European Affairs, IIEA, on the building of alliances to strengthen the EU. I am delighted to welcome Ms Jill Donoghue, who is the IIEA's director of research; and Ms Marie Cross, who is a member of the IIEA board and chairperson of its "future of EU 27" group. Most of us will be familiar with the work of the IIEA, which is Ireland's leading think tank on European and international affairs. The IIEA has been doing some excellent work recently in looking to the future of Europe.

As we all know, in our discussions on Brexit we have been trying to deal with the issues in the various sectors while concentrating on the future of Europe. We know what things were like in the past. We know what the structures were. Gigantic changes lie ahead as a result of Brexit. It is imperative that we all work to ensure a great deal of thought, work and deliberation is put into the future of Europe. I understand that Ms Donoghue and Ms Cross have been mapping countries' profiles in their EU explorer. I know they have dedicated a lot of work to the future of the EU and we appreciate that very much.

I would like to remind everyone of the rules with regard to privilege. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. 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 do so, they are only entitled thereafter to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence concerned 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 entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Ms Donoghue and Ms Cross to make their opening statements on behalf of the IIEA. I am sure the members of the committee will be glad to hear what they have to say and will have questions and comments for them afterwards. I thank them again for being here.