Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In today's meeting, we meet with An Tánaiste and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Simon Coveney, to discuss the latest developments in Brexit and matters that have arisen at the Foreign Affairs Council and other matters relevant to foreign affairs and trade. The Tánaiste is very welcome here today, along with his officials. The format of the meeting is that the committee will hear the Tánaiste's opening statement before going into a question and answer session with members of the committee.

Before we begin, may I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference, even on silent mode, with the recording equipment in this committee room. I also remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or body outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it 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. If they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter to only 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 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 also welcome members of the diplomatic corps who are with us for today's meeting.

I call on the Tánaiste to make his opening remarks.