Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I see members are tuning in remotely. I apologise for the lack of in-person engagement but, as members know, it is in accordance with current Covid-19 restrictions. I have received a note from Deputy Leddin to the effect that he will join us after 3.30 p.m. or 3.45 p.m.

I am very pleased that we are having this session with the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and EU special envoy for the peace process in Colombia, before the end of the year. I welcome him on behalf of the committee, albeit in a virtual format. He is no stranger to this committee. The object of today's exercise is to discuss the matter of Mr. Gilmore's work as EU special representative and special envoy in the areas mentioned.

The format of the meeting is that we will hear Mr. Gilmore's opening statement followed by a discussion, with questions and answers from members of the committee. I again ask them to be concise in their questions to allow all members an opportunity to participate. Hopefully, we will have a second round, should it be so desired.

I remind witnesses - not that there is any need to remind the former Tánaiste - of the long-standing parliamentary practice that we should not criticise, or make charges against, any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make them identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as in any way damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, any potentially defamatory statements will attract a direction to discontinue. For witnesses attending remotely outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege that, again, will be well known to a former long-standing Member of the House.

I remind members of the parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make that person in any way identifiable. I also remind members that due to Covid restrictions, they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located within the Leinster House complex.

I thank Mr. Gilmore for joining us and invite him to make his opening statement. We are all very grateful that he has taken time out to engage with the committee.