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

I welcome members, guests and witnesses to our meeting. Unfortunately, due to the impact of Covid restrictions on the one hand and Storm Barra in the second instance, we are somewhat restricted in our attendance and our engagement. I apologise for that. However, it is important that we proceed, in any event, notwithstanding the technological challenges.

Apologies have been received from Senators Joe O'Reilly and Craughwell. I am delighted, notwithstanding the challenges to which I referred, we are meeting with representatives of the Irish Coalition for Business and Human Rights. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Sorcha Tunney, Irish Coalition for Business and Human Rights; Ms Rosa María Mateus Parra, who is joining us from Colombia and represents the Colombian human rights organisation the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers' Collective, CAJAR - members will be familiar with engagements on this issue earlier this year; Mr. Conor O’Neill, Christian Aid Ireland; and Mr. Garry Walsh, Trócaire.

Most of the guests will be familiar with the format of our committee engagement, but I apologise that it is not possible to have our meeting in-person in the committee room. Along with the officials, I am somewhat alone. However, hopefully the restrictions will lift in the new year and we can put the global pandemic behind us. The format of the meeting is that we will hear the opening statements of our guests followed by a discussion, and questions and answers with members of the committee. I remind members to be concise with their questions to allow all members an opportunity to participate. Hopefully, we will have a second opportunity for members to come back in if they wish.

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 him, her or it 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 is imperative that any such direction is 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 witnesses who are physically present. However, I do not anticipate that these issues will arise in the context of our engagement.

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 outside the House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her 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 will call on Ms Tunney to introduce her colleagues and to make her opening statement. With regard to the statement of Ms Mateus Parra from Colombia, I understand it will be delivered in Spanish. An English version of the statement along with a presentation have been circulated to members. During the course of Ms Mateus Parra's presentation, members might wish to have a copy of the English statement to hand.

Ms Tunney is very welcome, and I give her the floor.