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

We have received apologies from Deputies Pat Breen, Olivia Mitchell and Séan Crowe. I give the usual warning on the use of mobile phones.

The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the motion referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann on approving the terms of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership Co-operation between the European Union and its member states, on the one hand, and Central America, on the other. Under the terms of the Dáil motion of 19 January, the committee must consider the matter and, having done so, report back to the Dáil not later than 27 January 2016.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, and call on him to address the meeting.