Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Deputies Carthy and Berry. The purpose of our meeting is to consider the motion referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann on the report by the Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2023 and in relation to Ireland's participation in the two permanent structure co-operation PESCO projects and two European Defence Agency projects. I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and his officials to the meeting.

The proposed format is that we will first hear the opening remarks from the Tánaiste on the report regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations and then open the meeting up for questions. We will then proceed immediately to the Tánaiste's remarks on the two permanent structure co-operation PESCO projects and two European Defence Agency projects and then open it up for questions. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the House or an official by name. I call on the Tánaiste to make his first opening statement on service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations.