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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Crowe and Maureen O'Sullivan. All mobile telephones should be switched off as they cause interference, even if on silent mode, with the recording equipment in the committee rooms.

Today's meeting has been convened to consider the request for a Supplementary Estimate for Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade. It was referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann on 19 November 2019. A briefing has been circulated to the members. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, and his officials for attending and assisting our consideration of the Supplementary Estimate. I also thank the departmental officials for the briefing material that was circulated to members.

I remind members that, in accordance with Standing Orders, discussion should be confined to the items constituting the Supplementary Estimate. I invite the Minister of State to make his contribution.