Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum, we shall commence in public session. I remind members - and myself - to please switch off mobile phones as they interfere with recording equipment. I have received no apologies. The purpose of this meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality is to consider a Government motion to exercise the right to opt in, pursuant to Protocol 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to a measure in the civil justice area. The proposal is to accept Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection. I welcome the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and his officials this morning. I will now invite the Minister to address the motion before us.