David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Anne Ferris. The purpose of today's meeting is to get a briefing from the Minister for Justice and Equality on EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting to be held on 6 and 7 December 2012 and also the defence element of the Foreign Affairs meeting which was held on 19 November. A briefing document has been circulated to members. I welcome the Minister and his officials. The Minister will brief the committee and we will follow with a question and answer session.