Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is to consider the motion referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann on 16 April on reports by the Minister with responsibility for defence on service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2017 and 2018, respectively. I welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for defence, Deputy Kehoe, and his departmental officials, whom I thank for the briefing material provided. The proposed format of the meeting is that we will hear the opening remarks of the Minister of State before opening the discussion to the floor for questions from members.

I remind members and those in the Visitors Gallery that their mobile phones should be switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording and broadcasting equipment in committee rooms, even when left in silent mode.

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 or body outside the House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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