We are now in public session. Apologies have been received from Deputies Damien English, John Lyons and Peadar Tóibín and Senator Mary White. In the unavoidable absence of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, I now invite nominations for Acting Chairman.
Election of Acting Chairman
Clerk to the Committee
I propose Deputy Áine Collins.
I second that proposal.
Clerk to the Committee
Is that agreed? Agreed. I ask Deputy Collins to take the Chair.
Deputy Áine Collins took the Chair.
We will deal with housekeeping matters in private session.
The joint committee went into private session at 1.35 p.m. and resumed in public session at 1.45 p.m.