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

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important because it causes serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

Today, we will engage with the new Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for European Union affairs, Deputy Helen McEntee. Last week, in her absence, members and I congratulated her on her appointment and expressed our desire to work with her. We complimented the outgoing Minister of State, Deputy Dara Murphy, who was work-like in his duties. I know the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, will be the exact same. We are genuine in wishing the Minister of State every success and happiness in her new role.

It is important the relationship between the Minister with responsibility for European Affairs and the committee is strong. We had good interactions with the previous Minister of State and I hope to have similar strong engagement with the new one, Deputy McEntee. I have watched the career of Deputy McEntee and since her elevation to ministerial office I have seen her work very diligently in government. I admire Deputy McEntee and I look forward to working with her. It is very positive that we can have this initial engagement so soon after Deputy McEntee taking office. We realise the Minister of State has to read herself into the brief. We may have less to speak about today than we will in the future but nonetheless it is the beginning of our relationship of working together. I know that members look forward to interacting with her.

I extend a warm welcome to the officials accompanying the Minister of State and acknowledge the good work of the Department. I thank the Minister and her officials for taking time out of their busy schedule to be here.

Let me remind members and witnesses of the rules of privilege. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 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 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 the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, to make her opening remarks before opening the floor to my colleagues.