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

Before proceeding to the business of the meeting I remind members and those in the Gallery to switch off their mobile phones for the duration of the meeting as even if they are on silent they may cause interference with the recording equipment. The purpose of our meeting is to consider the motion referred to the committee by Dáil Éireann on approving the terms of the partnership and co-operation agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore. Under the terms of the Dáil motion of 15 September 2021, we must consider the matter and having done so report back to the Dáil no later than 31 October 2021.

On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and his officials to our meeting and I thank the officials for the briefing we have received beforehand. As it is the Minister of State's first meeting with this committee I offer him a special welcome. We will not be overly detained by the content of the meeting, having regard to the hour and his busy schedule. We will hear the his opening statement and then we will take questions from members.