Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for European Union affairs, Deputy Burke, who is accompanied today by his officials. The committee will discuss the recent General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. I believe the Minister of State is also accompanied by Mr. Martin Boyhan who is on a student placement in his office.

It is a very important part of democracy for people to see the workings of an office, a committee and the Dáil. We welcome Martin to the Public Gallery.

Before we begin, we have a note on privilege. I will go through the normal process of reminding the witnesses 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 or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with that direction.

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 also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to participate if he or she is not adhering to that requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any members participating via Teams to confirm they are on the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution to the meeting.

With that done at good speed, I will hand over to the Minister of State to make his opening statement.