Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witness, Dr. Bernard Sabella, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council. I extend a very warm welcome to him this morning and apologise for the delay as we had matters to attend to within the joint committee itself. It is timely to have Dr. Sabella here today. I welcome also our good friend, the ambassador and head of the Palestinian mission in Ireland, H. E., Ahmad Abdelrazek. We have an opportunity today for the joint committee to hear a first-hand account of the current situation in Palestine, in particular in view of the recent escalation of violence. The format of today's meeting is that Dr. Sabella will make an opening statement followed by questions from members of the joint committee.

I remind members and those in the public Gallery to switch off their mobile phones. They must ensure they are completely switched off for the duration of the meeting as they do cause interference even in silent mode with the recording equipment in the committee room. The meeting is being broadcast live on Oireachtas TV across various media platforms.

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 or body 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 the committee. However, if witnesses 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 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 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I invite Dr. Sabella to make his presentation.