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

I thank Mr. Jacob. I will now open proceedings to the members of the committee. We may not have a full house but we have the next best thing. We are limited in our time. I propose that members be as succinct as possible in their questioning. The purpose of our deliberations this afternoon is to elicit concerns from our witnesses that may form part of our report on our pre-legislative scrutiny.

I ask members to desist from making general speeches or Second Stage-type speeches. There will be lots of time for that in the other House and indeed here if we advance to Committee Stage. In order to maximise our time, I would like to hear questions seeking further information or concerns from our witnesses.

I will start with Deputy Carthy. I am also conscious that there is a debate in the plenary session of Dáil Éireann which will necessitate the attendance of the Deputy shortly. I apologise to Deputy Carthy for that. What the Dáil might order from time to time is outside of the control of our committee but this is not the first time that there has been something of a clash. I know it is unsatisfactory to Deputy Carthy and others. I propose to contact the Business Committee to ensure that Tuesday afternoon is kept free at plenary session from either foreign affairs or defence debates in order to facilitate our members attending here for our once-a-week committee meeting. With that, I will give the floor to Deputy Carthy.