Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Ruairí Quinn and Seán Crowe and Senator David Norris. I apologise for the early start. Unfortunately, the committee room is booked again at 11 a.m. by another committee as the Finance Bill is before the Houses. We must therefore try to get this meeting concluded as quickly as we can.

Before we start, I am sure all members will wish to reflect briefly on the tragic events in Paris last Friday night. I express my own sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed and injured and to the people of France and those countries whose citizens have been affected by the terrible attacks. It is very sad that such a barbaric event was thrust upon innocent people going about their daily lives. It is up to the people of Europe and the world to stand together and ensure a solution is found to stop future tragedies. I propose that the joint committee writes to the French ambassador, H.E. Jean-Pierre Thébault, to express the joint committee's sympathies and condolences. Is that agreed? Agreed. Does anybody wish to comment?