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

Apologies have been received from Senator Craughwell.

I ask all those present in the committee room to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

The sole item on our agenda today is to discuss the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces with the Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney. I welcome the Minister and his officials: Aileen Nolan, acting director and Cathal Duffy, principal officer. The format of the meeting is in the usual manner. We will hear an opening statement, followed by questions and answers with members of the committee. I ask members to be concise with their questions to allow everyone an opportunity to participate. As the Minister has indicated that he needs to be in the Seanad at 4.45 p.m., we will finish with enough time to allow him proceed to his next engagement.

I remind witnesses and members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make that person in any way identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any person or entity. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and any such direction must be complied with. For witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses who are physically present in the room do.

Members are reminded that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. I welcome those members who have entered the committee room.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement and thank him for joining us.