Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to continue our ongoing engagement on the major issue of the day: the war in Ukraine. The committee has for many weeks held discussion on issues such as the humanitarian crisis, the EU response to the war and the EU applications of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Last month, a delegation from the committee travelled to Romania and Moldova on a fact finding mission to view the situation on the ground in two European countries at the forefront of the humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. I am delighted to say that we will continue that work. We want to keep this issue on the radar and we are aware of the importance of that.

I am delighted to welcome Ms Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, chair of the EU committee of the Ukrainian Parliament. I also welcome the ambassador of Ukraine, H.E. Ms Larysa Gerasko. She is busy; she was at a fundraiser last night. It was good to see her there. It is good to have her back and we look forward to today's engagement. As son an choiste, cuirim fáilte rompu chuig an gcruinniú. On behalf of the committee, I welcome our guests.

All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that 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 or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a statement of a witness is potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue these remarks. It is imperative that he or she complies with any such direction. I think the members of the committee know the drill in terms of the rules on being in the Leinster House complex.

We will start with opening remarks from a fellow chair, speaking from Davos, Ms Klympush-Tsintsadze.