Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for the absence from the committee room of the Chairman, Deputy Joe McHugh. Deputy McHugh is watching and participating in the meeting remotely. It is my privilege to chair this meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a range of issues that have arisen due to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. We will be discussing Ukraine's application to join the European Union and later, the applications of Georgia and Moldova. We also will be discussing the European Union's response to the humanitarian crisis that has been brought about by this war.

On behalf of the committee I welcome the ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, H.E. Ms Larysa Gerasko to this committee, on the 20th day of her nation's suffering. I want the ambassador to know that in every corner of this island, the people stand with her and all of the people of Ukraine in this time of their agony. The EU affairs committee normally deals with the routine business of parliamentary and intergovernmental relationships between member states but 20 days ago, much of what we understood as settled norms on our Continent were attacked and upended. Across our Continent, we are now adjusting our thinking to this new and terrible reality.

Before we begin I must read the note on privilege. All witnesses are reminded 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. Today we will make an exception to that. Collectively, I do not believe that the Oireachtas would expect us to be rigid with regard to at least one individual.

For witnesses attending remotely outside of 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 those witnesses who are physically present. Witnesses participating in the committee session from a jurisdiction outside of the State are advised that they should be mindful of the domestic law that applies there.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the House. Again, I think this is something that we can set aside. I remind members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit members to participate who are not adhering to this requirement. Therefore, members who attempt to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I remind participants that masks should be worn while not speaking.

Again, I welcome the ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, H.E. Ms Larysa Gerasko and her colleague to this meeting, and I now give the ambassador the floor.