Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach. Before we move on to the next part of the meeting I will do a quick recap on the procedures that we have agreed. We will take questions from cathaoirligh in groups of three. They will be called upon in order of their appointment under the D'Hondt model, followed by non-D'Hondt committees.

Members will be delighted to hear that the next information I will outline is an abbreviated version. 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. A time limit of two and a half minutes was proposed, but in a spirit of generosity, and as a reflection of the generous nature of my own personality, we are going to up that to three minutes per Cathaoirleach. Cathaoirligh will put their questions in groups of three and the Taoiseach will be given four minutes to respond to the questions of each group. As our time is limited, we will be using the clock and adhering to the time limits. In the event that somebody is not present, I will move to the names in the group below. As a result, I might call people earlier than indicated. Without further ado, the first person up is Deputy Howlin, Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs, but as we agreed in the Standing Orders, he is also the Leas-Chathaoirleach of this committee as well. He has a double function here today. He should lead the way. He will be followed by Deputy Quinlivan.