Vol. 631 No. 3
Apologies have been received from Deputy Allen. I remind members and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording equipment even when in silent mode.
The minutes of the meeting of 30 January 2007 have been circulated. Are the minutes agreed?
Circulated with the minutes was a document which questioned if everybody thought the announcement of the rapid deployment force under the heading of Dóchas by the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, was a good thing. The information outlined is not accurate. Concern and GOAL are both unhappy as they feel they are fishing in the same pond. The material circulated represents only one side of the story and gives the impression that everybody thinks the idea is wonderful. While it may be, two of the principal agencies in the area disagree.
We can discuss correspondence after the public session.
I am afraid I will be at the Order of Business in the Seanad. That is why I slid in.
You have had the opportunity to make the point.
Thank you.
Are the minutes agreed? Agreed. We have received correspondence from the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny on decisions at its meetings of 24 January and 8 February 2007. One proposal refers to the amendment of the financial regulation that applies to the ninth European development fund. It is proposed to refer the matter to the Sub-Committee on Development Co-Operation for consideration at its next meeting. It is also proposed to note the other items in the correspondence. Is that agreed? Agreed.
