Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In order to ensure the smooth running of proceedings, any Member who is acting in substitution for a member of the select committee should formally notify the clerk if they have not already done so. Members should be aware that today proceedings are due to conclude by 1.40 p.m. as we have to vacate the room. If we have not concluded our consideration of the Bill by then, we will suspend the sitting until 5 p.m.

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government with special responsibility for local government and electoral reform, Deputy Phelan, and his officials. Deputy Ó Cuív was in possession when the debate was adjourned last night.