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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Larisca Miculet. I gather that the ambassador is joined by Mr. Igor Moldovan, counsellor to the Embassy of Moldova. We are joined by a number of people in the Public Gallery. I acknowledge the presence of the ambassadors of Ukraine, Georgia and Poland to Ireland and thank them very much for being with us here today. At today's meeting, we will discuss Moldova's EU accession process and related matters.

Before we begin, I will read the standard privilege note. I remind all witnesses 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 or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their 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 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 of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via MS Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution.

With that standard bit of housekeeping done, I am delighted to have the opportunity to call on the ambassador to make her opening statement.