Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum, the meeting is now in public session. Apologies have been received from Deputy Donohoe who, unfortunately, cannot be with us today. The first item on the agenda is a discussion with Amnesty International on its recommendations for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. On behalf of the committee, I am delighted to welcome Mr. Colm O'Gorman, executive director, and Ms Iverna McGowan, policy and strategy co-ordinator, from Amnesty International. As everyone is aware, Ireland has a proud record of advancing human rights internationally. At the beginning of Ireland's Presidency, Amnesty International submitted recommendations in this area. As the Presidency has now passed the halfway point, the organisation has reviewed what has been done to date and has made some suggestions with regard to what needs to be done during the remaining months of the Presidency. We are looking forward to hearing their ideas.

Before we begin, I ask all of those present to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely. I am informed that those with iPads will also need to turn them off because they will interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

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. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, 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.

I ask Mr. O'Gorman to make his opening remarks.