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

Apologies have been received from Senator Paul Coghlan. I remind members that it is important to ensure their mobile phones are switched off as they cause serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

I am particularly pleased that we are having an engagement with Mr. Branimir Zaimov, ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ireland. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome him and his assistant, Mrs. Milena Ivanova, at the beginning of the period in which his country will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. That is both very important and significant and we very much appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to be here to engage with us on his country's priorities for the Presidency.

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 any official 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, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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 ambassador to make his opening statement. I will then open the floor to members to make their contributions and him questions.