Vice Chairman:

The agenda for today's meeting is the impact of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, TCA, on the Irish economy and Irish households and businesses, with an analysis of the wider aspects of Brexit for Ireland, and Brexit-related matters. The witnesses to be heard today are Dr. Alan Barrett, director of the Economic and Social and Research Institute, and Dr. Martina Lawless, associate research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute.

Witnesses who are giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means a witness has a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the direction of the Chair. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity.

Witnesses who are giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside of the proceedings of the committee of any matters arising from these set proceedings. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not make charges against a person outside the Houses of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House campus. In this regard, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, all members must confirm they are on the grounds of Leinster House. Members participating in the committee meeting from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts are asked to note the constitutional protections afforded to those participating from within the parliamentary precincts do not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given on whether, or the extent to which, their participation is covered by absolute privilege of a statutory nature and if their participation is covered by absolute privilege. If they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

On Covid guidance, members in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risks of contracting Covid-19. They are strongly advised to practise good hand hygiene. Members will note every second seat has been removed to facilitate social distancing. I urge members not to move their chair from its current position. Members must also always maintain the appropriate level of social distancing during and after the meeting. Masks, preferably of a medical nature should be worn at all times at the meeting except when speaking. I ask those present for the full co-operation in that regard.

Before we invite the witnesses to make the their opening statements, the Chairman, Deputy Lisa Chambers, will take the Chair now.