JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS debate -
Tuesday, 13 Apr 2010

I remind members and those in the Visitors' Gallery to ensure their mobile phones and BlackBerry devices are switched off for the duration of the meeting, as they cause interference with the recording equipment.

Apologies have been received from Deputies Shatter and O'Brien and Senator Norris. Are the minutes of the meeting of 24 March which have been circulated agreed to? Agreed.

Before we proceed to today's agenda item, there are two sad events I would like to mention. On behalf of the joint committee, I convey the sympathies of members to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, and his family on the recent death of his mother, Eileen. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. I also extend the sympathies of members to the Polish people, especially those living in Ireland, following last week's devastating air crash in which the Polish President, Mr. Lech Kaczynski; his wife, Maria Kaczynski, and so many others were tragically killed. Our thoughts are with the people of Poland at this time of national mourning.

All Members would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, and to the Polish people. I have just come from a meeting with the Polish ambassador, to whom I conveyed the sympathies of the Labour Party. I also signed the book of condolences. I am sure every Member of the two Houses can relate to the great grief being experienced by the Polish people and diaspora.