I welcome everyone to the public session of the meeting. I remind those in attendance that all mobile phones must be switched off as they interfere with the sound and recording system.
The first item of business is the scrutiny of COM (2013) 619, a proposal for the regulation of new psychoactive substances. It is proposed that this proposal warrants further scrutiny. It is proposed to write to the Department of Health requesting clarification of whether, if the proposal is implemented in its current form, Ireland will retain the power to ban psychoactive substances unilaterally without the approval of the European Commission; the measures currently in place in Ireland to control psychoactive substances; how this proposal will change the current measures; and any concerns with regard to this proposal. It is also proposed that the proposal be sent for information to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. Is that agreed? Agreed.