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

I have received apologies from Deputy Brian Leddin. I welcome everybody and acknowledge the logistical challenge with which we are faced, which is testament to the great advance in communications technology.

The purpose of our meeting this afternoon is to hear from witnesses on the current humanitarian situation in Syria. As we approach the tenth anniversary of a situation that has decimated the country and its people, I and the committee believe it is important we have the opportunity of hearing first hand the effects of what has been a dreadful conflict on the people of Syria, particularly those displaced from their homes and their communities both internally across Syria and internationally across the wider region.

On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to welcome representatives from Trócaire, SAWA for Development and Aid, GOAL, Oxfam, Concern and World Vision. I particularly welcome Mr. Niall O’Keeffe of Trócaire, Mr. Nasser Alheraki, Mr. Moutaz Adham and Dr. Rouba Mhaissen who are joining us from Syria, Lebanon and Turkey.

On a housekeeping matter, I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that 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, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I would ask witnesses to discontinue their remarks. It goes without saying that they will comply with such a direction. For witnesses attending remotely outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations in respect of parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses who may be physically present. In this regard, witnesses who are participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should always be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence given or tendered.

I thank the members for joining us, albeit remotely. I remind them 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 that person identifiable. I also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting by dint of their being physically located in the Leinster House complex, and I know all of them are. For anybody watching this meeting online, some Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing this meeting from a remote perspective. Due to these unprecedented circumstances and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask everybody to bear with us in the event of any technical issue arising that may pose a challenge.

It gives me great pleasure to call on Mr. Niall O'Keeffe to make his opening statement and to introduce us to our panel of speakers. After hearing from them, members of the committee will have an opportunity to ask questions, make observations and deal with issues accordingly. Mr. O'Keeffe is very welcome.