I have received apologies from Senator Michael Mullins, who is unable to join us this afternoon. I remind members and those in the public gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording equipment in the committee room even when on silent mode. I ask members and those in the public Gallery to respect this instruction and ensure their mobile telephones are switched off completely.
Business of Joint Committee
I would like to apologise because I must leave for the Order of Business in the Seanad and for a Bill being taken immediately after it. I came in so that we could be quorate. Naturally, I am interested in and will read the proceedings.
That is fine.
The minutes of the meetings of 1 March and 4 April have been circulated to members. Are they agreed? Agreed. We will proceed with the main business of the meeting this afternoon which is a discussion with the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Joe Costello, on the review of the White Paper on Irish Aid.