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

I welcome all present to our meeting with the ambassador of Russia to Ireland, H.E. Mr. Yuriy Filatov, to discuss foreign policy and security in Europe. The ambassador is welcome. I thank him for agreeing to meet the committee to discuss matters of mutual concern to our respective countries and our people. At a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West, this meeting gives us all the opportunity to both discuss and exchange views on our different perspectives and to share ideas on how we can best move forward towards easing tensions and continuing to work together to deal not only with the issues between our respective countries, but many other issues facing humanity. I welcome the ambassador and his officials. The format of the meeting is that we will hear his opening statement before going into a question-and-answer session with members of the committee.

Before proceeding to the business of the meeting, I remind members that mobile phones should be switched off completely or put on airplane mode for the duration of the meeting as they can cause interference with the recording equipment in the committee room even if on silent. We all hope that we can proceed accordingly.

This is our first meeting in our committee room in plenary session or full committee session since the Covid restrictions have been lifted. The ambassador will see, therefore, that not only are some members wearing masks, which can be removed to facilitate dialogue, but Deputy Clarke and other members are attending the meeting from their offices outside the precincts of the committee room. They will also be facilitated by way of direct access not only to his opening address, but to observations and questions.

I remind 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 that person identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any person or entity. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person, the direction from me, as Chairman, will be that such remarks be discontinued. Of course, it is imperative that all such directions are complied with.

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 Houses or an official, either by name or in a way that makes that person identifiable. I remind members that they may only participate in the meeting by remote means if they are physically present in offices or rooms on the Leinster House complex. I think the only member operating remotely is Deputy Clarke. She is very welcome and will be called in order of indication.

With that, I am pleased to invite the ambassador to make his opening statement.