Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to welcome to today's meeting Ms Viviane Reding, Vice President of the European Commission, who is in Dublin on a short visit as part of the preparations for next year's Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. While her portfolio deals with justice, fundamental rights and citizenship, our discussion with her today will focus on the broader theme of the future of Europe. Ms Reding has during recent months been to the fore in an emerging debate on the future of Europe. She has articulated a vision for a move towards political union in Europe by 2020, with an essential role for the citizen in that process. We are delighted to have the Ms Reding here today to discuss Ireland's relationship with the European Union and to stimulate debate on what the future of Europe will be. I now invite Ms Reding to make her opening remarks.