Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I have received apologies from Senator Wilson. I apologise for the late start.

We are pleased to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, who has specific responsibility for overseas development aid and the diaspora. The Minister of State will brief the committee on his recent visit to the Horn of Africa and the policy and strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs in that regard. He is joined by the following officials from the development co-operation and Africa division at the Department: Ms Nicole McHugh, director, and Mr. Michael O'Toole, director. Our guests are all welcome.

For the benefit of those who are not here on every occasion we meet, the format will be that we will hear the opening statement from the Minister of State. This will be followed by a question-and-answer session with members. I ask members to be concise in their questions in order to allow everybody an opportunity to participate.

I remind witnesses and members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 regarding an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. We are still operating in hybrid form. I do not see any members tuned in from their offices, but that is an eventuality that could well occur before too long.

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for making time to brief us. We look forward to his remarks.