Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

Cuirim fáilte roimh na baill chuig ár ndarna cruinniú. You are all welcome to our second meeting of this committee. We have received no apologies, but I understand that Deputy Cahill is running late, and Deputy Shane Moynihan is substituting.

I advise members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in these public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating on Teams that, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. I do not believe there is anybody in that category at the moment.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

The first business is the nomination of Leas-Chathaoirleach. As agreed at the first meeting of the committee last week, nominations for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach were received. In the order they were received, they are Deputy Gallagher and Senator Boyle. I invite any other nominations for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach.