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

We will now resume in public session. The purpose of the meeting 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, also known as the Lisbon treaty, to a measure in the civil justice area. The proposal is to accept COM(2018)472 of the European Parliament and of the Council, a regulation establishing the internal security fund.

I welcome the Minister for Justice and Equality and his officials. All members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind everyone that mobile phones should be switched off.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.