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

We are in public session. I advise members of the constitutional requirement 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 he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, if a member attempts to participate from outside the precincts of Leinster House, he or she will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member participating via MS Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House complex prior to making his or her contribution to the meeting.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity either 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 regarding an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The committee will publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity either 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 regarding an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I welcome our witnesses for the second pre-legislative scrutiny of the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill 2025. We are joined by our colleague from the Upper House, Senator Frances Black, who originated the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; Mr. Gerry Liston from the Global Legal Action Network and Sadaka; and Mr. Conor O'Neill from Christian Aid.

We will hear the opening statements followed by a question-and-answer session with members of the committee. That question-and-answer session will be the same as it always is. It consists of seven minutes that will include answers. I will give those Members who are not members of the committee time afterwards but if we get time for a second round, we will have a second round. We look forward to hearing from the witnesses on this important legislation. On that note, I invite Senator Black to make her opening statement.