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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Cullinane and Senator Coghlan. I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off.

I am glad we are having an engagement on the priorities of the Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. I am delighted that we have with us Her Excellency Ms Raili Lahnalampi, who is the new Ambassador of Finland to Ireland. We had the pleasure of meeting the other day and we had a good, lengthy engagement on different issues. I am glad that will be further expanded on today and that the members will be able to have a discussion with her. I welcome H.E. Ms Lahnalampi, who only arrived here a few weeks ago. I am glad to tell members she is very hard at work and settling in well to her role. Finland currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and it is its third time to do so. We are very interested to hear from the ambassador today on the Finnish priorities for their six-month programme.

Before we begin, I would like to remind everyone of the rules relating to 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 Houses or an official 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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are only entitled thereafter to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence concerned with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect 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 or her identifiable.

I ask Ms Lahnalampi to make her opening statement. I am sure the members of the committee will be glad to have questions and comments for her afterwards. I thank her and welcome her again.