Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I advise members that there are a couple of housekeeping matters that we will deal with in private session at the end of the meeting. I ask members to stay on for that. It would be appreciated.

Apologies have been received from Deputies Flanagan, Cahill, Naughten, Carey, Funchion, Creed, Cowen and Matthews, and Senators O'Loughlin and Cassells. I welcome the Leas-Chathaoirligh, Deputies Ó Cathasaigh, Costello and McAuliffe, and Senator Horkan, who are representing their respective committees in the absence of their Chairs.

I am pleased that Senator Flynn will join us later. Yesterday she was elected Cathaoirleach of the re-established Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community.

I am especially pleased to welcome An Taoiseach and thank him for his engagement with the Working Group of Committee Cathaoirligh. We are delighted he is with us today. He is accompanied by officials from the Department of the Taoiseach, Mr. John Callinan, Secretary General, and Mr. Padraig Ó Conaill, principal officer.

I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode. That would be appreciated. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The purpose of today's meeting is in accordance with Standing Order 120. It is to discuss matters of public policy and particularly those raised through our respective committees. As the Taoiseach knows, committees undertake a huge and detailed amount of work which does not lend itself to consideration in plenary sessions. While our work is intensive, our collective remit is extensive and the approach taken enables the Parliament to engage with Departments, public bodies and the public in general in a meaningful and direct manner. At today's meeting, I look forward to a constructive engagement that will, I hope, be of mutual benefit to the Taoiseach and the committee Chairs.

I propose that we proceed directly to the substantive part of the meeting. I ask the Taoiseach to make his opening statement.