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

I have received apologies from Deputy Stanton. Today we are meeting with the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, more commonly known as RACO. I am very pleased that this meeting is taking place and in particular that we will have this engagement before the summer recess. I am also very pleased to welcome Commandant Conor King, general secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Derek Priestley, deputy general secretary, and Commandant Luke Foley, president, of RACO. Our objective is to discuss issues relating to the Defence Forces.

The format of the meeting is that Commandant King will make an opening statement before going into a question and answer session with members of the committee. As time is limited due to Covid restrictions I ask that witnesses would be conscious of the time constraints when addressing the committee. I ask members to be concise in their questions in order to allow all members an opportunity to ask questions.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make them identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. For witnesses attending remotely outside the Leinster House campus there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does.

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 of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex or in the convention centre where the Dáil and Seanad are meeting in plenary session today.

For those watching proceedings online, Oireachtas members and witnesses are accessing this meeting remotely. Due to the unprecedented circumstances in which we are operating and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask everyone to bear with us should any technical issues arise. I am very pleased to ask Commandant King to make his opening statement. He has the floor.