Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Deputy Coveney, and the Secretary General at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Joe Hackett, to discuss the published report into the workplace arrangements in Iveagh House on 17 June 2020. I understand the Minister and the Secretary General will be making opening statements and following this we will move to questions and answers with members of the committee.

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 that person identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any person or entity.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise, or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in a way that makes that person identifiable. I remind members that they may only participate in the meeting by remote means if they are physically present in offices or rooms on the Leinster House complex. I note that some members are joining us from their offices in accordance with the hybrid arrangements following Covid.

I welcome the Minister. I understand there is a parallel debate in the Dáil Chamber, which may impact our proceedings, but I call on the Minister to make his opening statement, followed by the Secretary General. I thank the Minister again for meeting us today.