John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have a quorum so we can begin. Apologies have been received from Deputies Sean Sherlock, Michael McGrath and Pearse Doherty. Deputy Dara Calleary is substituting for Deputy Michael McGrath and Deputy David Cullinane is substituting for Deputy Pearse Doherty.

The meeting has been convened for the purpose of consideration by this committee of Statute Law Revision Bill 2016, which was referred to the Select Committee by order of the Dáil on 30 November 2016. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, and his officials. Two amendments have been tabled. It is intended that we should consider the Bill until we conclude Committee Stage today. Is that agreed? Agreed. A list of grouped amendments has been circulated and we shall proceed to the consideration of the Bill.