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

The slight delay in starting was due to a division in the Dáil. I am pleased we are meeting Mr. Eugene Gargan, president, Ms Jo McCarthy, vice president, and Mr. Neil Richardson, general secretary, of the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association, RDFRA. They are very welcome and we look forward to hearing from them on the issues facing the Reserve Defence Force and its members. The format of the meeting, and the president of the association has appeared before the committee previously, is that we will hear the opening statements first. I am very grateful they have been forwarded to the committee. Following the opening statements there will be questions and answers with members of the committee. I ask members to be concise with their questions to allow all members, some of whom are present and others whom I welcome remotely, to participate. We trust all of us will have an opportunity to ask questions and hear from the witnesses.

I remind the 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 that person or entity. If statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, the witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that any such direction be 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such as way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in this room or in offices on the Leinster House complex.

I am pleased to call Mr. Richardson, general secretary of the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association, to make his opening statement.