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

The purpose in the first part of our engagement this morning is to consider a proposal to opt in, under Protocol No. 21, to a measure in the provision of EU asylum, migration and integration funds. A briefing document has been circulated. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Stanton, who is a former Chairman of the joint committee and his officials.

Members should be aware that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister of State to make his opening statement.