Chairman:

Apologies have been received from Deputies Seán Crowe and Tony McLoughlin and Senator Ivana Bacik. I propose we commence with the appointment of a Vice Chairman and I call for nominations.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan for the position of Vice Chairman. She is eminently qualified in the area of foreign affairs and will make an excellent Vice Chairman.

Chairman:

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan has been proposed. Is there a seconder?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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On a point of order, I have nothing against Deputy O'Sullivan but I thought there was an agreement on sharing out the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman.

Chairman:

Not that I have been made aware of. I assume the political party holding the chair does not hold the position of Vice Chairman as well. The idea is to have as much broad representation as possible.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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That is okay. I am fine.

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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I second the nomination of Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan.

Chairman:

Is anyone else being proposed? No. I declare Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan elected as Vice Chairman.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I thank the committee.

Chairman:

I congratulate Deputy O'Sullivan. I have worked with her on this committee for the past four and a half years. She has been an exemplary member in respect of her attendance, contributions and her wide range of interests with regard to the work pertaining to the committee. I have no doubt she will enhance the role.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I thank the Chairman.