The Joint Committee met at 13:30

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Deputy Mary Butler,* Senator Paudie Coffey,* Deputy David Cullinane,+ Senator Keith Swanick. Deputy Billy Kelleher, Deputy Kate O'Connell, Deputy Louise O'Reilly,

* In the absence of Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony and Senator Colm Burke.

+ In the absence of Deputy Louise O'Reilly, for part of meeting.

In attendance: Deputy John Halligan, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills and Senator Grace O'Sullivan.

DEPUTY MICHAEL HARTY IN THE CHAIR.