Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy John Brady and Senator Joe O'Reilly. We return today to the unacceptable situation in Ukraine and we are pleased to get an update from Mr. Andriy Borysovych Yermak who is head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. He is welcome. I also extend a special welcome to H.E. Ms Larysa Gerasko, ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland and her deputy, Mrs. Olena Shaloput. They are keen we receive an update on the current situation and on issues the Irish Government and Parliament should be engaged in. They are very welcome to our meeting. Mr. Yermak is joining us from Ukraine via Microsoft Teams. I understand he must be excused after about one hour so we will engage with him in the earlier part of our meeting, subject to interpretation. We are very pleased Mr. Yermak can join us.

The format of the meeting is that we will hear opening statements followed by a discussion with questions and answers with members of the committee. I ask members to be concise in their questions so that everyone can have an opportunity to participate.

Witnesses and members 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 them in any way identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if any speaker makes statements that may be potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that any such direction is complied with.

For witnesses attending remotely from outside the parliamentary campus at Leinster House, there are some limitations as to parliamentary privilege and they might not benefit from the same level of immunity in respect of legal proceedings as a witness physically present in our committee room does.

I am very pleased to call on Mr. Yermak to make his opening statement.