Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Brophy and Senator Craughwell. I remind members to switch off their mobile phones or put them in silent mode. The purpose of this meeting is an engagement with the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy McEntee, on the work of the General Affairs Council. I am glad she and her officials were able to take time out of their busy schedule to be here today. They are all very welcome. The next meeting of the General Affairs Council takes place in a couple of weeks. The committee's engagements with the Minister of State on her work in the Council on the strategic issues facing the European Union are useful, particularly in light of what is happening in England.

The General Affairs Council agenda is likely to be full. As we cannot cover all the issues, we will focus in particular on the Brexit negotiations, the future of Europe's work, the Government's position on the enlargement perspective for the Western Balkans and the future budget of the EU. We had an interesting meeting yesterday with an official from the European Commission on the Commission's proposal for the future budget, which I am sure will be added to in today's discussion.

Before I invite the Minister of State to make her opening statement, I remind everyone that the normal rules of privilege apply. I welcome the ambassadors and embassy staff and members of the public in the Visitors Gallery. The Minister of State may make her opening statement now.