Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The committee is in public session. I remind members and those in the gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment. Apologies have been received from Deputy Joe O'Reilly. The Chairman has asked me to apologise on his behalf to the joint committee, but he will arrive a little later.
I welcome His Excellency the ambassador of Italy to Ireland, Mr. Giovanni Adorni Braccesi Chiassi, to discuss the programme and priorities for the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which started a number of days ago. Italy has assumed the Presidency from Greece and I believe it will aim to continue to build on the economic gains of the past year by promoting economic growth and job creation through innovation coupled with securing financial stability and more co-ordinated economic governance. I understand the Italian Presidency will also focus on enhancing civic and society engagement in the EU through policies and initiatives in response to citizens' everyday problems, concerns and insecurities. We look forward to exploring these issues in more detail with the ambassador.
By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with today's proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I now invite the ambassador to give his initial comments.