Apologies have been received from Deputies Gerald Nash and Maureen O'Sullivan. I remind members and those in the public gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference, even on silent mode, with the recording equipment in the committee rooms.
Business of Joint Committee
How long does the Chairman anticipate this meeting will last? Is there a set time for it and is there another group looking for the room after us?
We have only one item on the agenda, Africa Day and we will then deal with correspondence. Also, the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello, will make an important statement to the committee. He decided to do it through the committee rather than publicly.
What time will that be?
Immediately. The minutes of the meeting of 9 May have been circulated to members. Are they agreed? Agreed. As there are no further matters arising, we will proceed with the main business of the day.