Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask committee members and guests to subdue their mobile phones. Also, iPads have a disconcerting effect on the communications system. Everybody might keep this in mind because they interrupt the recording system.

This meeting with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is on the issue of the European Commission's communication on financing poverty eradication and sustainable development beyond 2015. I welcome Dr. Vincent O'Neill and his colleagues from Irish Aid. Members will be aware that since 2000 global development goals have focused on the achievement of the millennium development goals. The global agenda has developed a slightly different focus in recent years, as it seeks, among other matters, to develop a common approach among EU members on the issue of how to engage in international discussion on financing the development agenda post-2015. In addition, given the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, I understand Dr. O'Neill will also give the committee a timely update on that issue. It is timely that he is here, particularly in view of the disaster in the Philippines. It is appropriate that he have an opportunity to discuss that and other issues with us.

We will follow the usual procedure: there will be a presentation for ten or 15 minutes which will be followed by an opportunity for members to raise questions or make comments.