Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind those present in the committee room to exercise responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. The first item on this afternoon's agenda is our meeting with representatives of Justice for Colombia. This is not the first occasion on which we have had an opportunity to engage with this group. I am pleased to welcome Mr. Hasan Dodwell, director, and Mr. Niall Finn, parliamentary officer. The format of our meeting is in the usual manner whereby we will hear the witnesses' opening statement followed by a question-and-answer session with members of the committee. I ask members to be concise in their questions to allow everybody an opportunity to participate.

Witnesses and members are reminded of the longstanding parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make that person in any way identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any person or entity. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and any such direction must be complied with.

Members are reminded that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. I remind representatives of Justice for Colombia, Mr. Dodwell and Mr. Finn, that we are operating a hybrid format, in that some members are present in the committee room, while others are participating in the meeting from within the Leinster House complex, such as Deputy Stanton who is in his office.

I thank Mr. Dodwell and call him to make his opening statement.