Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is now 9 o'clock. It is a good way to start in that all our members will know we intend be prompt in our business. I, therefore, propose we get under way. With the Minister's indulgence, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Deputies Colm Brophy and Jim O'Callaghan and to say, as I have said to them privately, that I hope our committee will prove to be a very efficient, effective and productive one over the term of the Thirty-second Dáil. I have no doubt this is within our capacity and I hope it is the intent of all of us. I also welcome Deputy Jack Chambers.

As we are in public session, I ask that all mobile telephones be switched off as they cause interference, even if on silent mode, with the recording equipment in the committee rooms.