Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Regina Doherty, Seán Crowe, Clare Daly and Joe O'Reilly, and Mark Durkan MP. I give the usual reminder about mobile telephones and electronic equipment, which can interfere with the sound system.

We are joined by representatives from the Special EU Programmes Body to discuss the European Union's Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, PEACE IV and, possibly, INTERREG V. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome the chief executive officer of the programmes body, Mr. Pat Colgan, who is accompanied by Mr. Shaun Henry, director of managing authority, and Mr. John McCandless, communications manager. We look forward to exploring new opportunities in the programme for 2014 to 2020. I am aware that the representatives have been working hard on the programme throughout the summer and, subject to different jurisdictions' agreement in 2014, we look forward to an engaging conversation on where the programme will be going. The European Commission has already identified areas of potential co-operation around youth, maritime affairs, eco-innovation and business co-operation.

Before I call the witnesses to make their presentation, I advise that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of utterances at this committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease making remarks on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their remarks. They are directed that only cognisant evidence on the subject matter of this meeting is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House of the Oireachtas, a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. Colgan to make his opening statement. I do not doubt that members' will have many questions and observations to make.