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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Leddin and Senator Joe O'Reilly.

I am particularly pleased that today we are meeting with representatives from Front Line Defenders. I welcome Mr. Andrew Anderson, executive director; Ms Michelle Foley, memorial project co-ordinator; Mr. Hassan Ali Faiz, Afghanistan human rights defender; and Ms Olive Moore, deputy director. We very much look forward to hearing from them on their work, particularly in recent times. We are looking forward to an update from Mr. Faiz, with particular reference to the very challenging situation across Afghanistan. I want to particularly welcome our guests to an in-person meeting. We have not had one for quite a while. In that regard, they are most welcome, although they will have noticed that we are not back to full normality as yet. However, we would hope that as the term progresses, we can return to having members and guests at our meetings in person. It is appropriate that in one of our earliest meetings of this Oireachtas term we will have the opportunity to hear from the witnesses on their priorities, challenges and work.

The format of the meeting is that first we will hear the witnesses' opening statements. I understand we will be treated to a short video presentation on human rights defenders in Colombia, before going into a question and answer session with members of the committee. As we are quite time-limited due to Covid restrictions, I ask witnesses to be conscious of time constraints when initially addressing us. Following the opening statements, we will have a discussion of questions and answers with members. I remind the members of the need to be concise with questions in order to allow all members an opportunity to put their questions and our guests and witnesses to respond comprehensively to questions.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that we 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 any person or entity. Therefore, if any statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. I know that any such direction will be immediately complied with.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make that person identifiable. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex.

I thank the witnesses for joining us. I invite Mr. Anderson to make his opening statement.