Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and those in the Visitors' Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

The first item on the agenda is a discussion on Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January to 30 June 2013. On behalf of the joint committee, I warmly welcome the Minister of State with special responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, to brief members on planning for Ireland's Presidency of the Council during the first six months of next year. It will be the seventh time we will have held the Presidency in the 40 years we have been a member of the European Union. The Minister of State will brief us on the main priorities, the preparations made and the overall approach being taken by the Government. Ireland's Presidency will be cost effective and efficient and provide us with a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the European Union's agenda on growth and job creation and to further enhance Ireland's reputation. We look forward to the Minister of State's presentation.