Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Senator Davitt and Deputy Butterly.

I am delighted to say that the committee will today engage with representatives of the European Committee of the Regions. Tá mé thar a bheith buíoch as sin agus tá mé an-sásta go bhfuil siad ann. Mar iar-bhall den choiste, tá mé thar a bheith sásta go bhfuilimid in ann labhairt leis na baill inniu. I am happy to welcome the representatives. As a former member of the Committee of the Regions, it is a real pleasure to see so many here. I acknowledge the members of the Irish delegation and representatives of the various regional assemblies here. From the Irish delegation of the Committee of the Regions, I acknowledge the presence of councillors Mick Cahill, Clare Colleran Molloy, Emma Blain, Jimmy McClearn, Brídín Murphy, Dermot Lacey, Declan McDonnell, Dan Boyle, Mary Hoade, Neil Feighery, Kieran McCarthy and Tony Murphy, as well as Ms Cristina Riveiro McClelland, Mr. Tadhg Browne, Ms Laura Murphy, Ms Clare Bannon, Mr. David Kelly and Mr. Conall McGettigan.

I particularly acknowledge the chairs of the regional assemblies, Councillor David Healy from the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, of which I am also a former member, Councillor Micheál Frain of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and Councillor Andrew McGuinness from the Southern Regional Assembly. It is a credit to the strength of the organisation and the commitment people have to representation at a regional level that so many of them have taken the time to be with us here today. I am grateful to them.

I particularly thank Ms Kata Tütt, the president of the European Committee of the Regions, and Councillor Gillian Coughlan, head of the Irish delegation to the European Committee of the Regions, who are joining us today. They are both very welcome. I am delighted to see them here. I also welcome the various advisers, party staff, advisory staff and supporting staff who are with all our guests. It is great to see them.

As I say, I am very familiar with the Committee of the Regions and had many enjoyable sessions in various different places while debating important issues and, perhaps most importantly, putting the voices of the regions and local areas in European countries to the fore and forming opinions that then went further up the chain. It is a hugely important body. I am delighted to see everyone here. I acknowledge that a number of people will undoubtedly be watching online as this meeting is being broadcast live.

Before we begin, I am obliged to read a note on privilege and address some housekeeping matters. 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 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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. I have almost no concern whatsoever that will arise today.

Members are reminded of the parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. No members are joining us online so I do not need to give the constitutional warning in that regard.

I will invite President Tütt to make a five-minute statement. I remind members that there will be an opening statement of five minutes, after which members will have an opportunity to raise issues or ask questions. We will conclude today's session at 11 a.m. so I ask members to bear that deadline in mind. I call President Tütt to make her opening statement.