We have received no apologies as of yet, although I understand Deputy Thomas Byrne will only be able to join us briefly.
Business of Joint Committee
Deputy Kathleen Funchion sends her apologies.
I thank the Senator. I particularly want to welcome the new members of the committee: Deputies Kathleen Funchion, Tony McLoughlin, Josepha Madigan and Jan O'Sullivan. I also thank the Ministers of State, Deputies Jim Daly and Ciarán Cannon, with Deputies Joan Burton and Carol Nolan for their input and the time they gave to the committee. It is a great sign for committee members that two Deputies who started here went on to become Ministers of State. We wish them well for the future.
I also welcome and introduce to the committee our new policy adviser, Ms Susan Moran, who will be assisting it on policy related matters. We have already witnessed her positive influence in the briefings she prepared. It was very helpful to get a synopsis of the submissions made.
The joint committee went into private session at 4.05 p.m. and resumed in public session at 4.35 p.m.