John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I advise members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members partaking via MS Teams to ensure that prior to their contribution to the meeting they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. Members and 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 relating to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that members comply with any such direction.

I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Harris, and his officials. The format of the meeting is that we will hear the Tánaiste's opening statement, followed by a question-and-answer session with members. It will be done on an indication basis. It will be seven minutes, including the answers. If there is time at the end, we will afford additional time to the Tánaiste and members. When it comes to that I ask members to be concise in their questioning. I remind members that the committee has no role in approving the Estimates. It is an ongoing opportunity for the committee to examine departmental expenditure, to make the process more transparent and to engage in a meaningful way on relevant performance issues. I thank the Department for the briefing note it provided. The Tánaiste is the most senior politician who has come before the committee in this term. He is very welcome. We are anxious and keen to hear what he has to say, not just about the Estimates, but also about some other issues that are very much on the minds of the members of the committee.