Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is consider the motion referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann on the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the political dialogue and co-operation agreement between the European Union and its member states, of the one part, and the Republic of Cuba, of the other part. Under the terms of the Dáil motion of 11 June 2019, the committee must consider the matter and having done so report back to the Dáil not later than 25 June 2019.

On behalf of the select committee, I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee and her official to today's meeting. The format of the meeting is that we will hear the Minister of State and then take questions from the members. I call the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, to make her opening address.