This morning we will have a discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, to whom I extend a warm welcome. I also welcome the departmental officials who are in attendance. Today's meeting gives members of the committee an opportunity to hear the Minister's report on matters considered at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings and other matters relating to foreign affairs and trade. We will hear the Minister's opening statement before going into a question and answer session with the members of the committee.
Before we begin I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they can cause interference, even in silent mode, with the recording equipment in this committee room. I also remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, 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. I now invite the Minister to make his opening statement and advise members that we are under considerable time constraints this morning.