Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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On behalf of the committee I would like to welcome Her Excellency Mrs. Kristi Karelsohn, Ambassador of Estonia to Ireland. The ambassador is here today to discuss the priorities of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is the first time that Estonia has held the Council Presidency and we in Ireland look forward to it. We know that sometimes it is the smaller countries who can run the most efficient and effective EU Council Presidencies, building the necessary coalitions and putting the interest of the union to the forefront. Estonia also has a reputation as being a world leader in the digital and digital governance space. We hope Estonia will be able to bring some of that experience to the table. The committee is very interested in hearing about the work and priorities the Estonian Government sees ahead for its challenging six months. Some months ago I had the privilege of meeting the ambassador. We held a good discussion on matters of mutual interest and especially in the context of Brexit and what it would mean for Ireland and Estonia. The ambassador is very welcome.

Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence.

Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, 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.

I invite the ambassador to make her opening statement.