Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The meeting will be divided into two parts. In the first part, we are very pleased to meet H.E. George Zurabashvilli, ambassador of the Republic of Georgia, to discuss the occupation of regions of Georgia and the EU accession process. He is very welcome. This is the first time Mr. Zurabashvilli has attended in his capacity as ambassador. On previous occasions on which we met and on which he was present, it was in his capacity as senior official or chargé d'affaires. Today, he comes fully fledged as ambassador of the Republic of Georgia. In that regard, he is most welcome.

The format of the meeting is that we will hear an opening statement from the ambassador before proceeding to questions and answers with members of the committee, some of whom are present with us in the committee room and some of whom we expect to join us on Zoom or Teams. I am in the hands of members as to how we proceed. I am very keen that everybody will have the opportunity to ask questions. What we could do is allocate five minutes to each member or just proceed as we have in the past, but asking members to address questions. We will see how we get along.

Before proceeding to the business of the meeting, I remind members that mobile phones should be switched off completely or put on aeroplane mode for the duration of the meeting because they are likely to cause interference with the recording equipment in our rooms, even when in silent mode. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or body outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action taken based on what they say at the meeting. However, it is expected that nobody will abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Chair to ensure it is in no way abused. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed by me to discontinue such discourse. It is imperative that these directions be complied with, which I know they will be.

The ambassador and his official are very welcome. I call on him to make his opening statement.