Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, which has been referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann for further consideration. I welcome our colleague from the Oireachtas the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, and his officials.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If, therefore, their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not comment on, criticise nor make charges against a person outside the Houses of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

For the information of anyone watching the meeting, Oireachtas Members and witnesses now have the option of being physically present in the committee room or joining the meeting remotely via MS Teams. I remind members they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to constitutional requirements. Any member, therefore, who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members partaking via MS Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex. If attending in the committee room, they are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I invite the Minister of State to make his opening statement.