Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will commence in public session. I have received an apology from Senator David Norris, who is unable to be with us this afternoon. I ask members, witnesses and persons in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting, as they interfere, even in silent mode, with the recording equipment.

This meeting has been specially convened to hear the views of the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland, H. E. Mr. Sergii Reva. We will meet the Russia ambassador next Wednesday afternoon. On behalf of the members, I welcome the ambassador to the meeting. He has been a very good friend to the committee since his appointment and has come into Leinster House regularly to meet members. I have met with him regularly myself and always find him very open and frank.

We are all aware of recent events in Ukraine, including the ongoing crisis in Crimea. The ambassador is here to give his perspective on the situation, which is changing almost on a daily basis. We hope the crisis will be settled by diplomacy and that Ukraine can return to settling its own political affairs, with fresh elections and a bright future. The ambassador is very welcome and we look forward to hearing his views. After he has made his presentation, I will invite questions from members.