An Cathaoirleach:We have a technical issue with the name plates, which we hope to rectify. For members and visitors, there will be some translation taking place, so members and witnesses should bear that in mind when speaking.

When witnesses are called on to speak, they will see a clock in the corner of the monitor. We allow seven minutes for questions and answers, and there is usually a second round in order that everybody gets to say what they want to say. I am about to do a little housekeeping about privilege and I have no problem if the interpreters do not translate it all. Privilege does not extend to naming people, third parties or entities.

I advise members of the constitutional requirement 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 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 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.

Members 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 directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. As witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting.

The interpreters may wish to translate the following. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. I wish the interpreters the best of luck. They will be translating in both directions over the course of the meeting.

The sole item on the agenda this evening is an engagement to discuss the progress to agree a binding treaty on business and human rights at the United Nations. I welcome to our meeting representatives from the Irish Coalition for Business and Human Rights and Trócaire. We have with us Dr. Chris O'Connell, policy and advocacy adviser for the human rights and civil society space at Trócaire; Quelvin Otoniel Jiménez Villalta, lawyer for the Xinka Parliament; Ramona Margarita Domingo Díaz, member of the political committee of the Council of the Mayan People; and Gabriella Quijano, independent business and human rights expert. One of the officials helped me with my Spanish pronunciation. Our witnesses and interpreters are very welcome to the committee.

The format of the meeting is that we will hear the opening statements, followed by a question-and-answer session with the members of the committee. I ask members to be concise in their questions to allow all members the opportunity to participate. I now pass the floor over to our witnesses. I would like to hear the Spanish translation of that statement. I invite the witnesses to make their opening statements.