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

I have a received an apology from Senator Diarmuid Wilson. The agenda item for this afternoon is to look at the work of Irish Aid, as this year, 2024, marks its 50th anniversary. We are also taking the opportunity to hear the Department's perspectives on the crisis in Sudan. In the first instance, as we are marking the 50th anniversary of the work of Irish Aid, I acknowledge the mammoth contribution of Irish Aid in the most underprivileged and challenging regions of the globe. Irish people are very proud of this work on a day-to-day basis.

We are very pleased to welcome officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs from Irish Aid in the form of Mr. Michael Gaffey, director general of development co-operation, Africa division; Ms Nicole McHugh, director of the humanitarian unit; and Ms Deirdre Clancy, deputy director of the Africa unit. They are all welcome.

The format of the meeting is in the usual manner. We will hear opening statements from the witnesses, in turn followed by questions and answers with members of the committee. I ask members to be concise with their questions to allow all members the opportunity to engage in participation.

Our note on privilege is to the effect that witnesses and members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that we 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 in any way identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that any such direction be complied with.

I remind members they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. I also remind our guests from the Department of Foreign Affairs that we still operate a kind of hybrid post-Covid regime here insofar as some members are in their offices. I welcome in particular in that mode, Deputy Devlin, Senator Craughwell and Deputy Cronin. Members are entitled to make their statements, observations and questions from their office as long as they are located within the complex of Leinster House, as I have stated.

I now call on Mr. Michael Gaffey to make his opening statement.