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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Eoin Micheál McNamara from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, and Dr. Scott Fitzsimmons from the University of Limerick. I thank them both for being here. At today's meeting, we will consider EU defence and security policy.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege. 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 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 any 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 he or she is 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 participating via MS Teams to confirm he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution.

With that done, we are in a position to commence our discussion. First, I will invite Mr. McNamara to make his opening statement. I will then call Dr. Fitzsimmons to make his opening remarks, following which we will have engagement and a question and answer session with members.