Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This morning's meeting is with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney. I am pleased to welcome him to initiate our discussion on matters that have arisen at the recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. I also welcome his officials. I thank the Minister for sharing a comprehensive briefing document which was most helpful in the context of our deliberations. We will hear the Minister's opening statement before proceeding to a question and answer session with members.

I remind members of our strictures regarding mobile phones and utterances. I ask that phones be put on aeroplane mode or turned off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with recording equipment. 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 outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.