Clerk to the Committee:

Apologies have been received from Deputies Áine Collins, Seán Kyne and Peadar Tóibín and Senators John Kelly and Feargal Quinn.

Following the appointment of Deputy Damien English to the position of Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, this meeting has been convened for the purpose of electing a new Chairman. I invite nominations for the position.