Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome on behalf of the members of the committee the ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Mr. Magnus Rydén and his colleague,Ms Annica White. You are both most welcome to today's meeting to discuss the Swedish Presidency for the upcoming six months, already of course well established. I apologise for the absence of the Cathaoirleach. You will have to put up with me as Leas Chathaoirleach to chair the meetings today. Before we begin, I am obliged to read this note on privilege and housekeeping matters. All witnesses are reminded of the longstanding parliamentary practice that one should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any person. Therefore, if a statement is potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity the witness will be directed to discontinue their remarks. Members are reminded of the longstanding parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I 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 the in-public meetings and therefore I cannot permit members who are not physically present to ask questions.

I now invite His Excellency Ambassador Rydén to make his opening statement and I thank him for circulating it in advance.