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

Before we proceed with the business of the meeting, I remind Deputies and the people in the Gallery that their mobile phones should be switched off completely for the duration of the meeting because they can cause interference with the recording equipment in the committee rooms, even when they are in silent mode. The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the motion referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann relating to the approval of the terms of the comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part. Under the terms of the Dáil motion of 12 November last, this committee must consider the matter and, having done so, report back to the Dáil not later than 26 November next. On behalf of the select committee, I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, and his officials to today's meeting. After we have heard the Minister of State's opening statement, we will take questions from Deputies.