The Joint Committee met at 14:00

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Deputy Dara Calleary,* Senator Thomas Byrne, Deputy Áine Collins,* Senator Aideen Hayden, Deputy Pearse Doherty, Senator Michael Mullins.* Deputy Timmy Dooley, Deputy Michael McCarthy,* Deputy Michael McGrath, Deputy Paul Murphy, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell, Deputy Pat Rabbitte,

* In the absence of Deputies Sean Fleming, Tom Barry and Ciarán Lynch, and Senator Tom Sheahan, respectively.

DEPUTY LIAM TWOMEY IN THE CHAIR.