Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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This meeting has been convened to consider the motion that Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the state of the option or discretion under protocol 21 on the position of the UK and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning in the European Union to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure:

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA of 25 October 2004 laying down minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of illicit drug trafficking, as regards the definition of drug, which was referred to the Joint Committee by Dáil Éireann on 31 January 2017.

The motion was referred to the joint committee by Seanad Éireann by a similar order. Members will have received briefing material prepared by the Department. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, Deputy Catherine Byrne, and her officials, Mr. Eugene Lennon and Ms Mary Dowling. I invite the Minister of State to make her opening remarks.