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

Today we will meet Mr. Martin Fraser, the Secretary to the Government and Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach to discuss the matter of the proposed appointment of Dr. Katherine Zappone as a special envoy to the United Nations, on the freedom of opinion and expression, and specifically the timing of the proposal made to the Government to appoint Dr. Zappone as a special envoy.

Members will be aware that we have had extensive discussions on this matter over a number of meetings. It was specifically requested by a member that we would contact the Secretary to the Government and I am pleased that Mr. Fraser has joined us. He is very welcome to the meeting on the specific issue as raised.

The format of the meeting is we will hear opening comments from Mr. Fraser and then proceed to a questions and answers session. Witnesses are reminded 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.

For witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as do witnesses who are physically present. 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 an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex.

I welcome everyone to the meeting and trust that all of our future meetings can be exclusively based in this room as Covid restrictions recede. I now invite Mr. Fraser to make his opening statement.