Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

I have received apologies from Deputy Eamon Scanlon. The first item on our agenda is an engagement with the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, to discuss EU General Affairs Council meetings and related EU affairs matters. I welcome the Minister of State and, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Maeve Von Heynitz and Tim Harrington. I thank them for giving us their time this afternoon. Today's meeting will be on the most recent and upcoming meetings of the EU General Affairs Council and related EU affairs matters.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege and address some housekeeping matters. 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, 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be asked to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 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. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via MS Teams that, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. We have one member joining us online so that member should be aware of that condition. We are all aware of these rules so I expect everybody to abide by them. I now call on the Minister of State to make his opening statement.