Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Humphreys for the nomination and other committee members for their support. I hope it is an indication of how smoothly things will go from here.

I am honoured to have been nominated and appointed to the position of Chairman. The work the committee does is of major national importance, and in taking on the role of Chairman I am very aware of what the task involves. In thanking the committee I have outlined what an honour and privilege this is and I look forward to dealing with the challenges and tasks of the committee in its busy work schedule.

Over the coming period we must give consideration to a wide-ranging remit of matters under public attention. I have had experience of working with some committee members on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, and they would very much see me as a Chairman who operates by consensus and who tries to bring everybody on board. If the committee works well it is a reflection on all of us, whether we are in government, in opposition or Independent members. My number one goal will be to ensure the committee reflects well on members of both sides of the House. I will operate the most non-partisan approach possible.