Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today's meeting is an engagement on EU strategic autonomy, including its implications for EU co-operation on defence and security. I welcome Professor Andrew Cottey from University College Cork, UCC, and Dr. Kenneth McDonagh from Dublin City University, DCU.

Before we begin, I must attend to some housekeeping. 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 any person or entity. Therefore, if a statement is potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue his or her remarks and must comply with that direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing 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 participating must be physically present on the campus of Leinster House. Any members wishing to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member partaking via MS Teams to confirm they are on the campus prior to making a contribution to the meeting.

There is also a line I am supposed to read about wearing masks. I presume that is left in as a test. I again thank the witnesses for attending. I will open up the meeting. I call Professor Cottey to make his opening statement.