Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome, on behalf of the committee, H.E. Mr. George Zurabashvili, ambassador of Georgia to Ireland, and his colleague; and H.E. Mrs. Larisa Miculet, ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Ireland, who is with her colleagues. They are all most welcome. I thank the witnesses for staying with us. I think the committee was of one mind that the powerful testimony of H.E. Ms Larysa Gerasko, ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, had to be heard in full measure. It was as impactive on the committee as any evidence we have heard to date.

We are now moving on to the second session. I am afraid I have to re-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 which might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending from outside the Leinster House campus, there are limitations to parliamentary privilege. They may not enjoy the same level of immunity from proceedings as a witness who is physically present. All witnesses who are participating in this committee session from outside the State should be mindful of the domestic law that applies there.

With those housekeeping rules repeated, I call H.E. Mrs. Miculet to give her opening statement.