Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to continue our discussion on the European Union's response to the humanitarian crisis that has been brought on by the war in Ukraine.

Ar son an choiste, cuirim fáilte roimh ambasadóir na Slóvaice chun na hÉireann, H.E. Mr. Igor Pokojný. No doubt the ambassador would have been interested in and listening to the contributions to last week's meeting. We had a marathon five-hour meeting and I thank the Vice Chairman, Deputy Howlin, for chairing it. We want to create a better understanding of what is happening in the ambassador's country and we are looking forward to this discussion today.

Before we begin, I have a note on privilege to read and some housekeeping matters. 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. Therefore, if the witness's statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue his remarks. It is imperative the witness complies with any such direction.

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 a witness physically present does. Witnesses participating in the committee session from a jurisdiction outside of the State are advised that they should be mindful of the domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

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 or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I would ask members partaking by MS teams prior to making their contribution to the meeting to confirm they are in the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I call on the ambassador to make his opening statement.