Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy Sean Sherlock. I advise members that Standing Orders 93(3) of Dáil Éireann and 79(2) of Seanad Éireann state that in the unavoidable absence of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall perform the duties devolved and exercise the authority conferred upon the Chairman by Standing Orders. I, therefore, propose that, as Vice Chairman of the committee, I chair this meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed. Apologies have also been received from Senator Denis Landy.
Members are requested to ensure that, for the duration of the meeting, their mobile phones are switched off completely, or switched to airplane safe or flight mode, depending on the device. It is not sufficient for members just to put their phones on silent mode as this will maintain the level of interference with the broadcasting system. I propose to go into private session to deal with some housekeeping matters before returning to public session.