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

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. Today we have an engagement with the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, on the work of the General Affairs Council, GAC. I welcome her back to our committee. We will discuss her work on the General Affairs Council, as well as Brexit preparedness and contingency plans and alliance building within the European Union. It is important for us as the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs to ensure that Ireland and the EU are as prepared as possible for what is about to happen. At the same time as facing challenges that now look very immediate, we must also look beyond the immediate horizon and continue to work to strengthen the EU, and how it works. I refer, in particular, to how we are going to work after the next month or so.

I would normally read out the usual reminder concerning the rules on privilege, but as the Minister of State is familiar with them, I just remind everybody of their application. I call the Minister of State to make her opening statement and thank her, her staff and all the people who work with her for the Trojan efforts they are all making. That is particularly the case in the last couple of months. Much work has been done. I know the Minister of State has undertaken much travel and that is very difficult at times. On behalf of all the members of the committee, I appreciate the work she is doing at this stressful time.