Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ar son an choiste, cuirim fáilte roimh an ambasadóir, H.E Mr. Vincent Guérend, agus a chomhghleacaithe go dtí an cruinniú inniú. I welcome the ambassador and his colleagues to this meeting today and look forward to the engagement.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege and some housekeeping matters. 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 the 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.

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 the Houses or against 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 am looking at Deputy Harkin there. The train is not on the complex yet. 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 Leinster House campus.

I call on the ambassador to make his opening statement.