James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As we have a quorum and the Minister present, I will call the meeting to order. I shall chair today's meeting as Vice Chairman. Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, and Senator Joe O'Reilly.

I remind members to either turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode. This is because they interfere with the sound system and can make matters difficult in the context of parliamentary coverage. Even though it may not appear so in the Chamber, interference can often manifest in the footage afterwards.

Any submissions or opening statements that are made to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.