Chairman:

I have received apologies from Senator Mulherin. She may arrive late because of the issue of the clash between the committee time and the Seanad. There is a discussion in the Seanad today on horticulture and although it has not started yet, it will be going on. Senator Mac Lochlainn has highlighted this timing issue as well and we have also highlighted it previously. We will do so again tomorrow during the working group of Chairmen. It needs to be addressed as we move on. We are getting there. This committee has its set time at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, which will be our time from now on. I believe it is up to the Seanad to try to organise itself so there is not a clash. Hopefully, from now on, that issue will be addressed.

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are turned off.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the committee times, are all the committees changing to 4 p.m. or is it just this committee?

Chairman:

If the clash is with parliamentary questions, then it is 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Is that 5 p.m. on a Tuesday?

Chairman:

If, for example, the Joint Committee on Education and Skills clashes with education questions, then the committee meeting starts at 5 p.m.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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That is 5 p.m.

Chairman:

Yes

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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We had been meeting at 5 p.m. until now.

Chairman:

Yes.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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This committee is moving to 4 p.m. but are other committees on a Tuesday evening also moving from 5 p.m. to 4 p.m. ?

Chairman:

Yes. They will all be at 4 p.m. now. That is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Is that okay?

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Chairman.

Chairman:

I propose to go into private session. Is that agreed? Agreed.