Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The next item is the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, EAPPI. I welcome Mr. Alex Dunne and Ms Jenny Derbyshire who are representing the programme. The committee is interested in hearing from the EAPPI about its work with regard to projects funded by the EU, particularly in the context of the application of human rights in the region.

Before we begin, I will read out a note about privilege. Members are reminded again of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House 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. If they 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 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.

I understand Mr. Costello will open proceedings on behalf of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, EAPPI. I invite him to make his opening remarks.