David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everybody back and wish members a happy new year and all the best for 2014. I also welcome the Minister and his officials and the people in the gallery who have come to observe the proceedings. Apologies have been received from Deputy Anne Ferris. I remind members to turn off their mobile phones and not to leave them in silent mode, or else they should place them a good distance from the microphone in order that they do not interfere with the sound system as it is not fair on the officials who listen in, monitor and record what we say. It is best that members turn off their mobile phones completely.

I propose that we sit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., take a break and resume at 2.30 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m. Is that agreed? Agreed. I ask members to make their observations and put their questions through the Chair. I also ask them to keep their interventions on the amendments and sections as concise, precise and focused as possible. They should try not to ramble into other areas. I will be as helpful as I possibly can in reminding them what we are about and to focus on the amendments and sections with which we are dealing.

The debate is being resumed on section 10. Amendments Nos. 36 and 37 are related and will be discussed together.