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

I thank the Minister and the members for their consideration and questions on Vote 28, with sections dealing with our people, our place in Europe, our values, our prosperity, our influence and appropriations-in-aid. I thank the Minister and acknowledge the very important relationship between this parliamentary committee, the Minister and his Department. We thank him for what is a relationship of close co-operation and look forward to that continuing. I thank the Minister for being with us this afternoon.

If the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, is ready, we can move to consideration of Vote 27. The Minister of State may make an opening statement, after which members may ask questions on Vote 27.