Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Before we commence, I remind all those present to turn off their mobile phones. It is not good enough to leave them in silent mode because they interfere with the communications equipment.

I welcome to the joint committee two new members, Senator Catherine Noone and Deputy Dara Murphy. This is their first meeting.

Today's discussion is on the September General Affairs Council, GAC, meeting. We are delighted to be joined by our new Minister of State with special responsibility for European affairs, Deputy Paschal Donohoe. Everybody will be aware that he is an ex-member of the committee and was its Vice Chairman. On a personal note, I must say that while he served as Vice Chairman, he was exemplary in the role, extremely helpful and diligent. His promotion is very well deserved. He will bring to his role a unique knowledge of European affairs, having served on the committee and led the sub-committee that examined the issues involved in one of the previous referendums. While we are saddened that he has left the committee, we are delighted to have someone of his calibre in the position of Minister of State. He is very welcome. He will attend the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on 30 September when the Council is expected to discuss EU cohesion policy which, as we all know, has a profound impact on Europe's poorer regions. We would like to hear from him on how he expects the GAC meeting to go.