Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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I remind those present to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the recording equipment. It is not good enough to leave them in silent mode. That also pertains to iPads and other electronic equipment. We have received apologies from Deputies Seán Crowe and Timmy Dooley.

The first item on the agenda is a discussion on the European Commission's work programme for 2014. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Barbara Nolan, head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland. She is accompanied by Ms Eimear Ní Bhroin, political affairs officer, and Mr. Graham Stull, economic analyst, DG ECFIN.

This meeting is a good opportunity to assess the European Commission's priorities in the final year of its remit. Everybody present knows there will be a replacement next year. The Commission's work programme was announced last month and identifies a series of priorities for 2014, including on many important issues that will have implications for our political and administrative systems. These priorities will help to inform the work of the Oireachtas throughout the coming year. The Commission's stated intention is to make 2014 a year of delivery and implementation. The programme will be focused on banking union and related matters, as well as progressing the issue of the single digital market. It will also look to ensure new measures set out in the long-term budget or multi-annual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020 are implemented and become operational. In this committee we are very interested in hearing about the implementation of the youth guarantee. There may be some information in that regard from the meeting held by leaders, as the issue is of key importance, not just for the youth of Ireland but also young people throughout the European Union.

I remind members 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee.

If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of today's proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I invite Ms Nolan to make her opening comments.