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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn. The purpose of today's meeting is to consider two EU motions: COM (2013) 452, a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council, adapting to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union a number of legal acts in the area of justice providing for the use of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny; and COM (2013) 554, a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. The Department has indicated that the last date for Ireland to opt into the first three-month period is mid-December. A briefing document has been circulated to members. I welcome the Minister and his officials to this meeting. They are here to assist the committee in its consideration of these matters. I invite the Minister to brief us on the motions. This will be followed by a question and answer session. I invite the Minister to explain what this is all about.