John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from a number of colleagues: Senator Joe O'Reilly, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Deputy Cathy Bennett and Deputy Brian Brennan. There is a British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly meeting this weekend.

I advise 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 they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members partaking via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members 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, 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 members' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

As the ambassador will be aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting.

Witnesses are reminded 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 in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The first item on our agenda is to engage with the ambassador of Ukraine. I welcome H. E. Larysa Gerasko to the meeting to provide an update on the current situation in Ukraine. The format of the meeting, ambassador, is that we will hear your opening statement followed by questions and answers with the members of the committee. I ask members to be concise, as usual. Again, you are welcome, ambassador, and I pass the floor over to you.