Before we begin, I refer to the item on the agenda regarding the current humanitarian situation in Iraq. I had hoped representatives from the Irish Red Cross would have been here today to give us an update on what is happening in Iraq. As members will have noted from a letter received yesterday from the Irish Red Cross and circulated with the agenda, the secretary general is currently on a tour of inspection in Baghdad and consequently could not attend today. However, she is willing to appear before the committee when she returns. Yesterday, I also spoke about Iraq to the chairman of the Irish Red Cross, Mr. David Andrews, who would also be happy to meet us. Therefore, I propose to defer this item until our next meeting, possibly next Wednesday. Is that agreed? Agreed.
The minutes of the meeting held on 29 April 2003 were circulated with the agenda for this meeting. Are the minutes agreed? Agreed.
The two convenors and the Chairman met after our last meeting to select from the tenders offered the person or persons who will do the work on the Ethiopia project. Agenda Consulting was selected and Mr. Brian Arnold from that organisation is here to observe today's proceedings. The proposal was approved by the Department of Finance and the secretary has provided Mr. Arnold with the information received to date from the different groups, which have appeared before us. He will work on the project, which I hope will be completed by the beginning of July. I welcome Mr. Arnold, who is in the Visitors Gallery.
A number of items of correspondence were circulated with the agenda for the information of members, which I note for the record. An invitation to the US to accompany a parliamentary delegation led by the Ceann Comhairle requires our particular attention. Heretofore when the Ceann Comhairle led a parliamentary delegation to the United States he was accompanied by a delegation from the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. The last time that involved the Chairman and two other members of the committee. The programme will include meeting members of Friends of Ireland and the International Relations Committee of Congress. The estimate of the cost of travel has been put before members for agreement. Is that proposal agreed? Agreed. I have been invited as chairman to attend the next meeting of the Western European Union in early June as an observer. Is it agreed that I attend? Agreed.