Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from Mr. John Finucane MP and Ms Sorcha Eastwood MP, who may join us online in a few minutes. We have also received apologies from Ms Pat Cullen MP and Mr. Cathal Mallaghan MP.

We have some housekeeping matters. In accordance with Standing Orders, I make the following declaration:

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully, and to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office of Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by the House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of members in accordance with the Constitution and Standing Orders.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask members participating via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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 or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if members' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

MPs participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it applies to their participation at these proceedings.

I am delighted and privileged to have been appointed as the Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I welcome each and every one of the members and thank them for their participation. I look forward to working with each and every Member of the Dáil and Seanad. I particularly welcome Deputy Seán Crowe, a former Cathaoirleach of this committee. I also welcome the returning members of the committee, namely, Deputies Conway-Walsh and Tóibín and Senator Frances Black, who have been reappointed to the committee. We also have Senators Blaney and Mullen. I know that Deputy McGreehan was also a good attender in the past. I look forward to their contributions and insights. I thank them for their attendance. I particularly welcome the MPs who are attending physically today, namely, Ms Claire Hanna MP and Mr. Dáire Hughes MP. As I said, other colleagues may join online in a short while.

I am pleased that under the orders of reference, our colleagues from the North who have been elected to the Westminster Parliament can attend to participate in these meetings. It is important that we hear from as many voices as possible in our deliberations as that will add value and experience to our discussions on the many interesting topics within our remit. The Good Friday Agreement remains the foundation of all progress that has been made since its inception in 1998. The work is, of course, ongoing and the implementation of the agreement offers us the hope of making further progress on this island and between our two Governments. I look forward to working with all members in a genuine spirit of partnership and collaboration as we work to consider the matters under the remit of this committee.

I will open up to the floor. We have full attendance, or near enough, which is great. I open up to the floor for any comments at this point.