Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputies Phelan and Wynn and Senators Higgins and O'Loughlin.

The purpose of today's meeting is to resume discussion on situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Joe Mason, CEO, Ms Catherine Kelly, deputy CEO, and Ms Olena Dmytriieva from WALK, Dr. Rosaleen McDonagh from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, and Mr. Adam Harris, CEO, from AsIAm.

I remind members that they can only participate in the meeting if they are physically within the precincts of Leinster House. If members are joining us remotely, they must confirm that they are within the precincts before they can contribute to the meeting. For anyone watching online, some witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely. Due to the unprecedented nature of this, I ask everyone to bear with us should technical difficulties arise.

I must advise everyone participating in these proceedings on matters of privilege. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses giving evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precincts that the constitutional protection afforded to witnesses attending and giving evidence before the committee may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be provided on this.

If members are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they should respect that. They are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that applies.

I will first call on Mr. Adam Harris to make his opening remarks.