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

I advise members of the constitutional requirements that they 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. 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 campus.

Members and witnesses 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. As the witnesses will probably be aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting.

I welcome our witness today for pre-legislative scrutiny of the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill 2025. As in yesterday's meeting, I am happy to hear the Bill referred to as simply "the Bill". With us today from IBEC, we have Mr. Fergal O'Brien, executive director, lobbying and influence. The format of the meeting is that we will hear his opening statement, followed by a question-and-answer session with members of the committee. I ask members to be concise in their questions in order to allow all members the opportunity to participate. Members have seven minutes each. We will probably have time for a second round, but those seven minutes include the time for answers as well. I ask Mr. O'Brien to keep an eye on the clock to allow members a bit of time. I also ask members to keep an eye on the clock in case they have a follow-up question, which Mr. O'Brien will need sufficient time to answer.

I welcome Mr. O'Brien. We look forward to hearing from him on this important legislation. I invite him to make his opening statement.