Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail)

Apologies have been received from Deputy Eamon Scanlon, who cannot be with us today.

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for international development and our diaspora, Deputy Neale Richmond. This gives the committee an opportunity to explore the implementation of the sustainable development goals, SDGs, internationally, most notably in areas involving humanitarian development aid. Of course, the focus is on EU-level implementation and the efforts undertaken in conjunction with the EU institutions and their agencies.

Before we start, I will read the notice on privilege. I remind witnesses 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, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any 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 by physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. A member will not be permitted 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 any member taking part via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

We will begin with the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond's, opening statement and he will have five minutes.