Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Apologies have been received from Deputy James Lawless.

This meeting has been convened for the purpose of considering the Inland Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2017 which was referred to the Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment by order of the Dáil on 3 May 2017. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Seán Kyne, who has special responsibility for natural resources and inland fisheries. I also welcome his officials. I understand there is a particular urgency with this Bill and the committee has agreed to take Committee Stage at the earliest practicable date. I call the Minister of State to say a few words.