Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Today's engagement is on the topic of the European Year of Youth. Ar son an choiste, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, executive director of Eurofound, and his colleague, Ms Mary McCaughey. From the National Youth Council of Ireland the youth representative to the European Youth Forum, Mr. Mark McNulty, will be joining us in a few minutes. Joining us online from Léargas are Ms Lorraine Gilligan, executive director, and Ms Emma Grainger. Our guests are all welcome.

Before we begin, I must read a note on privilege and some housekeeping matters. Witnesses 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 or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For witnesses attending remotely outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside of the State are advised that they should also be mindful of the domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence that they give. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of 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 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 he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I will ask any member participating by MS Teams prior to making his or her contribution to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I welcome Mr. McNulty from the National Youth Council of Ireland who has joined us. I call Mr. Kalfin to make his opening statement.