Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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In that regard, I thank the witnesses for coming in and for sharing with us their priorities. We were very keen to hear from them before the summer recess as in recent years we were very keen as an all-party committee to put together a report from this committee directly to the Minister of Finance in advance of the budget negotiations which will take place throughout late summer into the early autumn. What the witnesses have told us today in their four reports will form the basis of our submission.

I would like to assure them that we will go through their priorities. We were very pleased to receive an earlier report from the Tánaiste, Deputy Micheál Martin. In past years, although all their recommendations and priorities were not met in full, we as a committee are pleased on an all-party basis to exercise some influence as a parliamentary committee over the Executive. In that regard, I would like to thank them for taking the time to share this meeting with us this afternoon. We would be happy to engage further before the autumn session of the Houses commences. We would be very pleased to hear from them after next week. Indeed, if members of this committee have the opportunity, they might like to attend the launch. We wish you well in that regard and we acknowledge the ongoing work that all the agencies undertake on a daily basis to tackle the major crises in the world.

I remind members that we will now go into private session.