Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ar son an choiste, cuirim fáilte roimh Mr. Didier Reynders, an Coimisinéir Eorpach Dlí agus Comhionannais, go dtí an cruinniú inniu. Tá a chomhghleacaithe, Ms Geneviève Tuts agus Ms Barbara Nolan leis fosta. Tá Ms Nolan, ó oifig an Choimisiúin i mBaile Átha Cliath, ar ais linn arís. Tá fáilte roimpi. You are all welcome. I extend a warm welcome to the Commissioner to the joint committee. We look forward to having a discussion. We engage on deliberative basis. We appreciate this opportunity to engage with the Mr. Reynders and we welcome his team. Our discussion will focus on several areas ranging from data protection and rule of law to hate speech and the war in Ukraine.

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, 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 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.

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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are aware of the constitutional requirements around participation in public meetings and being in the Leinster House complex. They know the drill there.

I invite the Commissioner to make his opening statement.