Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, and his officials. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill 2013. The Bill was referred to the select committee by Dáil Éireann on 23 May 2013. Is it agreed that we try to conclude the Bill tonight? Rather than putting a timeframe on it, we can check in later, but I am anxious to conclude it this evening if possible.

I remind members we are in public session and all telephones must be switched off. I also remind members that while there may have been some confusion with regard to the committee schedule, this meeting is being televised. Does the Minister wish to make a comment before we commence?