Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Maroš Šefovi. Mr. Šefovi is vice president at the European Commission with responsibility for inter-institutional relations and foresight. He is the co-chair of the EU-UK Partnership Council, established under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, as well as the co-chair of the EU-UK joint committee established under the withdrawal agreement.

Before we begin, and to kick off the matters formally, I will read a short note on privilege. All 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if a statement is potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such direction.

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 members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to participate if they are not adhering to this requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

With that bit of housekeeping done, I have the privilege of calling on Vice President Šefovi to make his opening statement. It is lovely to see him again, even if it is remotely this time. It is nice to have this opportunity to engage with him.