Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind Members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as even on silent mode they interfere with the recording equipment in the committee room.
Today is the second day of our hearings on a review of Ireland’s foreign policy and external engagement. The main purpose of the meetings this week is to conduct hearings that will enable the joint committee to compile a report that will be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As members will know, the Department is carrying out a review of foreign policy and external relations. Before Christmas the committee agreed to invite four individuals to make presentations that will assist us in compiling a report.
Today we will meet Mr. Denis Staunton, deputy editor, The Irish Times, and Mr. Graham Butler, University of Copenhagen. The format of today's meeting is that the two contributors will separately make presentations to the committee and their presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.
I welcome Mr. Denis Staunton who has previously held many posts with The Irish Times. He was its foreign editor. He has also worked as its Washington correspondent and as its European correspondent based in Brussels and Berlin. He has a wealth of experience from the media world, particularly in foreign affairs. I compliment The Irish Timeson its work and coverage of foreign affairs issues. It does a comprehensive job on world news which is important for us on the committee. We thank Mr. Stanton for continuing the good work by reporting what happens globally which is very important. I ask him to make his presentation which shall be followed by a question and answer session.