Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome to the committee Deputy James Lawless who is replacing Deputy Gino Kenny who is no longer in a position to attend our meetings.

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting and recording equipment, even when left in silent mode.

The purpose of the meeting is to consider the Companies (Statutory Audits) Bill 2017 which was referred to the committee by order of the Dáil of 24 January. I welcome the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Heather Humphreys, and her officials. A total of 30 amendments have been tabled and it is intended to complete Committee Stage today. Is that agreed? Agreed. I refer members to the circulated list of amendments which have been grouped for the purposes of debate.