Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for EU affairs, Deputy Peter Burke, and his officials. Today we will be discussing matters relating to the General Affairs Council. The General Affairs Council is responsible for ensuring consistency in the work of all European Council configurations. It prepares and follows up on meetings of the European Council. It is responsible for a number of cross-cutting policy areas which include EU enlargement and accession negotiations, the adoption of the multi-annual financial framework, cohesion policy matters, issues regarding the EU's institutional setup, and any dossier entrusted to it by the European Council. That is a fairly broad remit.

Before we begin, I want to do a little bit of housekeeping on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. Members are reminded of the long-standing practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in public meetings.

I will call on the Minister of State, Deputy Burke, to make his opening statement.