Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Fuair muid leithscéalta ó na Teachtaí O'Dowd, Whitmore, Michael Moynihan, Martin Browne, McGuinness, Kehoe agus Matthews. Iarraim ar na comhaltaí agus ar gach duine i láthair a fóin póca a mhúchadh. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Taoiseach go dtí an cruinniú leis an Ghrúpa Oibre na gCathaoirleach Coiste. Cuirim fáilte fosta roimh chomhghleacaithe an Taoisigh, na hoifigigh ó Roinn an Taoisigh, John Callinan san áireamh. Déanaim comhghairdeas le John as a ceapachán ina phost úr mar Ard-Rúnaí. Cuirim fáilte roimh Pádraig Ó Conaill fosta agus déanaim comhghairdeas leis fosta.

The purpose of today's meeting, in accordance with Standing Order 120, is to discuss matters of public policy and particularly those raised through our respective committees. As the Taoiseach will be aware, committees undertake detailed work that does not lend itself to consideration in plenary sessions. While our work is intensive, our collective remit is extensive and the approach taken enables Parliament to engage with the partners, public bodies, and the public in general, in a meaningful and direct manner.

As for today's meeting, I look forward to a constructive engagement that will hopefully be of mutual benefit to the Taoiseach and to us as committee Cathaoirligh. We will now proceed directly to the substantive part of the meeting. I ask the Taoiseach to make his opening statement. You are very welcome Taoiseach.