Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum I call the meeting to order and thank Senator Alice-Mary Higgins. Apologies have been received from Senator Fintan Warfield.

I have been asked by the Clerk to remind members that the private sessions of meetings, as well as public, are recorded. This reminder will be stated at committee meetings to ensure that members' privacy rights are being respected and that the Oireachtas is compliant with the current data laws.

I remind members to please switch off their mobile phones or turn them to flight mode so that they do not interfere with our sound systems.

As this meeting has been arranged at short notice, is it agreed to postpone the agreement of the minutes of our private meeting this morning and correspondence until the next scheduled meeting of the joint committee? Agreed.I am sure members will understand.