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

I warmly welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for European Union Affairs, Deputy McEntee, back to the committee this afternoon as part of our regular engagements on the work of the General Affairs Council. The Minister of State will update the joint committee on issues which were discussed at last week's meeting in Brussels, including the EU's next five-year strategic agenda and Brexit contingency planning.

The next few months will be of great significance for the European Union. Last week, the citizens of the 28 member states voted in the European Parliament elections forming a new European Parliament and it would be neglectful of me at this stage not to take this opportunity to wish every person from Ireland who has so far been elected to the European Parliament, from whatever political parties and none, every good luck, success and every good wish on their new venture. Some of them have been re-elected. Others have been elected for the first time. It is important for us as a committee and all of the members, again in a completely non-political way, that we consider them all to be flying the flag for Ireland, for us and for our citizens. It is only right and proper that we wish them well today and that we support them in every way we can.

A new European Commission should be in place by November and a number of senior roles will change over. Now is a time of calm before great change and renewal and it is an important time for us to focus on the future direction of the EU.

I would normally read out the usual reminder of the rules on privilege but, as the Minister of State and the officials are familiar with them, I do not have to do so. However, I remind our guests of their application. I, again, welcome the Minister of State and warmly welcome her officials, who are always excellent and hardworking on behalf of all of us.

I invite her to make her opening comments.