Apologies have been received from Deputy Carroll McNeill and Mr. John Finucane MP. Today is our third meeting with the architects of the Good Friday Agreement project whereby the committee meets with a range of the people involved in the negotiations, both politicians and officials. On behalf of the committee I give a very warm welcome to Mr. Jonathan Powell who is joining us remotely. Mr. Powell was chief of staff to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair from 1997 to 2007 and was the chief British Government negotiator on Northern Ireland during that period. Mr. Powell is very welcome. I regularly read his columns in The Guardian and elsewhere. He has a fantastic CV and he will give us the benefit of his wisdom today.
Before we begin, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practises of the House. 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 are to 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. Such witnesses may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on that matter. Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of proceedings should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair and 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, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the 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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate in public meetings.
I call on Mr. Powell to make his opening statement.