Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This afternoon we are meeting representatives from Dóchas to discuss the reaction of their members to budget 2024 and the official development assistance spending in 2024, to look ahead to COP28 and to update the committee on the ongoing humanitarian crises and situations in areas of challenge throughout the regions. I am particularly pleased to welcome Ms Rosamond Bennett, CEO of Christian Aid and chair of Dóchas; Ms Finola Finnan, deputy CEO, Trócaire; Ms Siobhan Curran, head of policy, Trócaire; and Ms Louise Finan, head of policy, Dóchas. I understand we will be joined virtually, from the Sudanese-Chad border, by Mr. Dominic MacSorley, humanitarian ambassador and country director of Concern Worldwide in Sudan. I am not sure if he has joined us yet but, in any event, he is very welcome as are all our guests are very welcome.

The format of the meeting is in the usual manner. We will hear opening statements which will be followed by a question and answer session with members of the committee. I ask members to be concise with their questions to allow everybody an opportunity of engagement.

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.

For witnesses attending remotely outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings. In this regard, I note Mr. MacSorley's attendance. He is experienced in these issues having had many engagements with this committee, so we have no concern as to the issues I mentioned. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex.

I invite Ms Bennett to make her opening statement. She will be followed by Ms Finnan and Mr. MacSorley, if he is ready at that stage. I welcome Ms Bennett.