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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Spanish ambassador, H.E. Mr. Ion de la Riva. Today's meeting is to discuss the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the European Council, which began on 1 July.

Before we begin, I advise the ambassador of the long-standing parliamentary practice that witnesses should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. If a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue his or her remarks.

Members are reminded of the long-standing practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members that it is a constitutional requirement that they be within the confines of Leinster House if they wish to contribute to the meeting. I cannot permit a member to participate if they do not adhere to this requirement. Any members who seek to contribute from outside the precincts of Leinster House will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask members partaking via Microsoft Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite the ambassador to make his opening statement.