Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the following motions:

That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft:Freedom of Information Act 2014 (Effective Date for Certain Bodies) Order 2015,copies of which Order in draft were laid before Dáil Éireann on 10th March, 2015."

That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft:Freedom of Information Act 2014 (Exempted Public Bodies) Order 2015,copies of which Order in draft were laid before Dáil Éireann on 12th March, 2015."

The joint committee also received an order of the Seanad regarding these motions on 31 March. The order of referral requires the joint committee, when we have completed our consideration, to send a message to that effect to the Dáil and the Seanad. The message must be sent not later than 2 April.

I welcome the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, together with his officials. I thank them all for attending and assisting our consideration of the motions. Briefing notes were provided by the Department. The Minister will address the committee, after which we will open the debate to members for questions and comments. Is that agreed? Agreed. I call on the Minister to commence.