Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

Apologies have been received from Deputies Clarke and Cullinane, and Senators Nicole Ryan and Boyle. Deputy McGettigan is substituting for Deputy Clarke, Deputy Quinlivan is substituting for Deputy Cullinane and Senator Collins is substituting for Senator Ryan.

I will read a note on privilege. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of members participating online at a committee meeting whenever it is sitting within Parliament. There can be no assurance in relation to participation online from outside Parliament and members must be mindful of this when contributing.

We will go into private session to consider some housekeeping matters.