Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Carthy, who is currently in the Dáil and will join us later. Apologies have also been received from Senators Ó Donnghaile, Ardagh and Craughwell. Our main agenda item this afternoon is disinformation and hybrid threats, including in the context of the ever-changing landscape of Europe and the consequent geopolitical shifts. I am pleased to welcome Dr. Eileen Culloty, assistant professor in the School of Communications at Dublin City University, and deputy director at DCU Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society; Ms Caitriona Heinl, executive director of the Azure Forum for Contemporary Security Strategy and adjunct research fellow at University College Dublin, UCD; and Professor Brigid Laffan, professor emeritus of the European University Institute, EUI, and president of the European Policy Centre, EPC, Brussels. Professor Laffan is no stranger this committee. They are all welcome.

The format of our meeting is in the usual manner. We will hear an opening statement followed by a questions and answers session with members of the committee. I ask members to be concise with questions to allow everybody an opportunity to participate and perhaps allow for a second round. I understand Professor Laffan has an unavoidable engagement later today, and will have to leave between 4.30 p.m. and 4.40 p.m. We will endeavour to make the most of her presence. I thank her for being here.

I remind witnesses and members of the long-standing parliamentary practice that we should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make them identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, any statements that may be potentially defamatory with regard to any identifiable person or entity will result in a direction to discontinue the remarks. It is imperative that any such direction be complied with.

I now call Dr. Eileen Culloty, followed by Ms Caitriona Heinl and then Professor Brigid Laffan. I have arranged that in alphabetical order, rather than bestow any priority status on any of our three important witnesses. Is that acceptable? Thank you. We will group the questions directed to each witness in accordance with their nature and substance.