Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Tom Clonan and we have some substitutions. Deputy John Lahart is substituting for Deputy Ryan O'Meara and Deputy John Connolly is substituting for Deputy Tom Brabazon. I advise members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate when 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. I ask any members participating via Microsoft Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. Members are also 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 or her 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that members comply with any such direction.

The first item on the agenda is the nominations for Leas-Chathaoirleach. As agreed at the first meeting of the committee, several nominations for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach have been received. Several members have nominated Senator Diarmuid Wilson for the position. As only one member has been nominated, I must now put the question, "That Senator Diarmuid Wilson be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach of this joint committee". Is that agreed? Agreed. Go raibh maith agaibh. I congratulate Senator Wilson on his election to the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. I look forward to working with him. If any member wishes to comment, I open it to the floor. However, I will go to Senator Wilson first.