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

I have received apologies from Senators Joe O'Reilly and Diarmuid Wilson. Our agenda this afternoon is a meeting with representatives of the Defence Forces veterans' organisations to discuss issues facing their members. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, Kieran Brennan, Major General, retired, who is no stranger to this committee, and Mr. John Murray, Sergeant Major, retired. I give a special welcome to retired sergeant Michael Thompson, the national welfare officer, from my home town, Mountmellick, in County Laois. He has been a friend of mine for longer than either of us would care to remember. From Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, I welcome the chief executive officer, Mr. Ollie O'Connor, the chairperson of the board of directors, Mr. Colm Campbell, and Mr. George Kerton, who, I understand, is joining us remotely. I welcome Senator Craughwell, who will be known to all of the witnesses. The Senator is with us in the room. I welcome members who are joining us remotely, including Deputy Brady and Senator Ardagh, who I see online, among others.

We will hear the witnesses' opening statements, then have a discussion, with questions from members of the committee. I ask members to be concise with their questions to allow everybody an opportunity to participate. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity for a second round for people to come back in if they so desire. I apologise for the somewhat truncated format. This is because of Covid. Some members are in their offices and others are present. I regret that as we head towards the end of 2021, we are still operating under restricted circumstances, which is in accordance with our public health regime.

I advise 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 in any way identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Therefore, if any statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It goes without saying they will comply with any such direction.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not comment on, criticise nor make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make that person identifiable. They are allowed to participate in the meeting only if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex, which I understand to be the case for all members today.

I invite Mr. Campbell to make his opening statement. I understand it includes a PowerPoint presentation, which is being displayed. When he has finished, I will invite Mr. Brennan to make his opening statement, after which we will take questions from members.