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

On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for EU Affairs, Deputy Peter Burke, who is joined by officials from his Department. At today's meeting we will consider the motion referred to the committee by the Dáil and Seanad yesterday relating to the proposed approval of the terms of agreement establishing the EU Latin America and Caribbean, LAC, Foundation.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege. We are reminded of the longstanding 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 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 members' 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 will not 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 done, I call on the Minister of State to make his opening statement.