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

The meeting is in two parts, both of which will deal with the enlargement process for the Western Balkans. Over a month ago the European Commission published a draft strategy document outlining a possible enlargement perspective for the Western Balkans. The committee looked at the strategy and the various documents published at the time and agreed that these were really important issues that we wanted to consider in more depth. As a small member state which has benefited greatly from membership of the European Union, we have often been interested in supporting other countries which would like to make the same journey we made many years ago. We are delighted that Mr. Maciej Popowski, deputy director of DG NEAR, joins us. I have looked through his CV and cannot think of anyone who is better placed to talk about the process of enlargement, having seen it up close and from both sides, whether in respect of a country that was working to join the European Union or as a representative of the Union.

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 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 ask Mr. Popowski to make his opening statement.

After that I will be opening the floor to our members for any questions they might have. Thank you again for being here today.