Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I remind everyone to switch off their mobile phones. It is not sufficient to put them on silent mode because they will interfere with the recording equipment. If they could be switched off, that would be appreciated. I have received apologies from Deputies Dara Murphy and Joe O'Reilly and Senator Kathryn Reilly.

The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is present to discuss the country specific recommendations, CSRs, that have emerged from the European semester. The Commission published the CSRs for member states two weeks ago. They will be considered and endorsed by EU leaders later this month before being adopted by the various Councils. However, before they are adopted, the committee has an opportunity to engage with the Minister of State on Ireland's CSRs. I welcome him and I invite him to make his opening statement.