Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from the Chair of the committee, Deputy Joe McHugh, and from Deputy Brendan Howlin and Senators Lisa Chambers, Sharon Keogan and Vincent P. Martin.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome H.E. Mr. Qirjako Qirko, the ambassador of Albania, and H.E. Mr. Vanja Filipovic, the ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I apologise for the pronunciation. I am sure I was disastrous. I find people have difficulty pronouncing my name as well, so they will be able to return the favour. Both ambassadors are based in London as they are also ambassadors to Britain. I thank them for travelling specifically for this engagement. We will discuss with our guests today the topic of EU enlargement and the western Balkans.

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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or 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 witnesses' 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.

Again, the ambassadors are very welcome and we will get this meeting under way. I call on H.E. Mr. Qirko to make his opening statement.