Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for his briefing in advance of the forthcoming General Affairs Council meeting. On behalf of the committee, it is very much appreciated that he and the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, have been exemplary in their attendance at this committee in advance of General Affairs Council meetings. The European Movement has just published an accountability report which points out that Irish ministerial attendance at Council meetings is now at 97%, which must be applauded. However, ministerial attendance at this committee in 2012 is down by 7% compared to 2011 at 64% or two out of every three meetings. Excluding the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, we need to spread the word that more Ministers need to attend this committee.