Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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I remind those present to turn off their mobile phones. It is not sufficient to leave them in silent mode. They need to be switched off, as otherwise they will interfere with the broadcasting equipment, which means that we will not be able to broadcast the proceedings. Apologies have been received from Senators Colm Burke, Catherine Noone and Kathryn Reilly.

I am delighted to welcome the Minister of State with special responsibility for European Affairs, Deputy Paschal Donohoe. Members will be aware that this is Europe Week and the event is being marked by a number of debates both in the Houses and in committees, so it is appropriate that the Minister of State is with us today.

The first item on the agenda is a discussion on the forthcoming General Affairs Council meeting, which the Minister of State will attend in Brussels next week. The main item on the GAC agenda is the preparation of the June European Council. I understand the agenda for the June European Council has not yet been finalised but I am sure it will address issues such as the European semester, justice and home affairs, and climate and energy. The European Council may also have to take decisions relating to the appointment of the next President of the Commission.

We will then discuss the forthcoming European Parliament Elections, which as we all know will take place on Friday, 23 May. I am sure many members are deeply involved in the campaigns that are under way. We are interested in the Minister's views on the issues at stake, the national and European campaigns, the role of the European political groups in the campaigns and voter turnout.