Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Blaney. On behalf of the committee I welcome Professor John FitzGerald, adjunct professor, Trinity College Dublin; and Professor Edgar Morgenroth, professor of economics, Dublin City University, who are here today to discuss their recently published research on the expected costs of replacing the UK subventions for Northern Ireland, in the event of a united Ireland. I thank them for their attendance. It is a very interesting report and we look forward to the debate.

Before we begin I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, witnesses and participants who give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts does and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Witnesses are asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given and they should respect directions given by the Chair. They should respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any persons, person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity.

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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Professor FitzGerald to make his opening statement.