Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from An Cathaoirleach, Deputy Flanagan, who cannot be here today. Today we welcome Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, director and head of the Geneva office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, who will brief the committee on the global humanitarian landscape, provide an overview of the office's vital role in the global humanitarian response and outline the long-standing partnership it retains with Ireland. Mr. Rajasingham is available until 5 p.m. today. He is joined by Ms Anja Nitzsche and Mr. Nader Duqmaq. Ms Nitzsche is chief of the partnerships and resource mobilisation branch at OCHA, while Mr. Duqmaq is from the donor desk. We look forward to hearing from them about the issues as outlined. We will hear the opening statements, which will be followed by questions and answers or any clarifications sought by members of the committee. I ask members to be concise in their questions to give all members the opportunity to participate.

Witnesses and members 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, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House campus. I invite Mr. Rajasingham to make his opening statement.