Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today we will engage with Mr. Filip Vurm, deputy head of mission at the embassy of the Czech Republic in Dublin, on the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ar son an choiste, cuirim fáilte romhat, a Uasail Vurm, agus roimh do chomhghleacaithe go dtí an cruinniú inniu. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Vurm and his colleagues to the committee meeting today and we look forward to the dialogue on all things Europe, international and geopolitical in this challenging time. The most important thing for this committee, and it is certainly the focus of our committee, is to continue with engagement. Yesterday I met the Dutch ambassador and I met the Ukrainian ambassador at the weekend. This committee is very keen to keep all lines of communication open. We are absolutely delighted Mr. Vurm is here today to keep that conversation going.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege and 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I would also like to remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I would ask any member partaking by Microsoft Teams, prior to making a contribution to the meeting, that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I on Mr. Filip Vurm to make his opening statement.