Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Paul Coghlan. Deputy Mattie McGrath has also indicated that he might be unable to attend.

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Dara Murphy. Ongoing strong engagement between the committee and the Minister of State is very important and we appreciate the time he dedicates to working with us. Many committee members had the chance to meet him when we were in Brussels last week, but it is also helpful to have a formal discussion about the work of the General Affairs Council, as well as other key developments on the European agenda.

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 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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I invite the Minister of State to make his opening remarks, after which I will open the meeting to questions from members. I again thank the Minister of State for taking time out to be here.