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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Eileen Culloty, who is representing the Institute of Future Media, Democracy and Society and Media Literacy Ireland at Dublin City University, DCU. I also welcome Ms Noelle O'Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, who is accompanied by her colleagues Ms Lorna Hayes, deputy CEO, and Mr. Rory Harte, head of strategy. Today's discussion will be on the upcoming European elections, voting rights and combating disinformation.

The witnesses are all very welcome. I thank them for coming in.

I will just read our normal housekeeping note on privilege, if the witnesses will bear with me. 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 the 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.

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 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 to participate in public meetings.

Having gone through that, I will now call on our first contributor, Dr. Culloty, to make her opening statement.