Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Dan Neville, who is unable to join us this afternoon. Before proceeding to the business of the meeting, I remind members and those present in the public gallery that their mobile telephones should be switched off completely for the duration of the meeting, as they cause interference with the recording equipment even when in silent mode.

The purpose of the meeting is to consider the motion referred to it by Dáil Éireann on the Arms Trade Treaty done at New York on 10 October 2013. Under the terms of the Dáil motion, the select committee must consider the matter and report having done so to the Dáil not later than 7 November 2013. The meeting has been arranged because the deadline elapses tomorrow. I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, and his officials. I propose that we hear an opening presentation from the Tánaiste and discuss the proposal as a single item. Is that agreed? Agreed.