Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputy Mattie McGrath and Senators Leyden and Coghlan, who are taking part in the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, BIPA, meeting today, and from Senator Craughwell, who is travelling with a delegation. I acknowledge that those members would have liked to have been in attendance but are unable to be because of the time constraints. I remind members to ensure that their mobile phones are on silent.

Today we have an engagement on the European Commission's proposal for the multi-annual financial framework after 2020, and I welcome and thank Ms Jennifer Brown and Mr. Gerry Kiely, on behalf of the European Commission, for being with us today.

I commence by reminding members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her or it identifiable. By virtue by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given.

They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

This is an important engagement with Ms Jennifer Brown, a senior official with the European Commission. I acknowledge that she has gone to a lot of trouble to be here with us. It is appreciated. We are here to discuss the European Commission's proposals for the future funding of the EU budget. This week, in particular, is important in the Brexit negotiations, given what is going on in England. Even as late last night, events were happening very quickly. We have to be ready and on top of our game to ensure we will be poised to react in a positive way for the country. The discussions on how the European Union should be financed and finance itself are at the core of how we see the Union working in the future. This has been the subject of much discussion in the past few months. The committee has played its part in bringing in different delegates. The European Commission has published its own recommendations in several parts. The European Union's budget is important as it defines the type of Union we want and provides for member states and citizens directly in a number of vital areas such as research and rural communities. The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union and the impact it will have on the Union's budget also need to be taken into account.

We are delighted that Ms Brown is in a position to join us for an engagement so soon after the package was published. It is an excellent initiative in order that we can have early discussions on how the European Commission sees it. Member states are, no doubt, looking at the detail for their own discussions at the Council and in the European Parliament. I am sure all Members of the Oireachtas will have comments and suggestions to make. I have no doubt that several committees will look at the parts of the proposals with most relevance to their work. I know that several members of other committees wanted to join us, but, unfortunately, as I outlined, they are unable to do so. I ask Ms Brown to make her opening statement. We will then go to members for questions and the advice and direction they might seek from her.