Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I extend a warm welcome to the Minister and thank him for appearing before us with his officials, Mr. Michael Gaffey, director general of Irish Aid, and Mr. Barrie Robinson. We have many issues to discuss, some of which were discussed at the recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting. I am sure that they will play a central role in the meeting on 20 July.

As usual, the format of today's meeting will see us hearing an opening statement from the Minister followed by a questions and answers session. Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those seated in the Public Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference, even while on silent mode, with the recording equipment in the committee room. I also remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or body outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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.

We will get on with our business. I thank the Minister for appearing before us. Perhaps he will deliver his opening statement to the committee.