Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his appointment. It is a very significant role, particularly given the importance of this committee. From speaking to party colleagues who served on a committee he chaired previously, I know he was true to his word and chaired that committee in a very fair and impartial manner. I hope it will be the same this time around.

The only comment I will make is that this is my third Oireachtas term. This committee has worked well when it has worked in a collegiate manner. We will have plenty of opportunities to have political disagreements on the floor of the Dáil or indeed on the airwaves. However when in committee, not unlike how many of us did when we were on councils, when we come together and try to work together to address or resolve the problems we know are out there, the committee can do some very important work. That is always a challenge when we still have to go into the Chamber or out on the airwaves and have our more partisan battles, but I have had a lot of very good experiences in this committee previously when working on a collegiate basis to try to deal with those issues and problems. This committee has done some very good work. I hope we can achieve that this time around as well. I look forward to working with all members.

It is also worth noting that I think we have a much better balance this time around both in terms of the urban areas we represent, namely, Limerick city, Cork city and Dublin city. We also have a much better urban-rural balance. These issues, whether it is planning, housing, water or heritage, involve an urban-rural divide. That will make this a much more interesting committee in terms of the balance of our work. I look forward to working with all colleagues in the time ahead.