Clerk to the Committee:

I thank the members for attending. As we have a quorum, I wish to call the meeting to order. I remind members to turn off their phones as they interfere with the sound system and with broadcasting. I have received apologies from Senator Paul Daly, for whom Senator Horkan is attending as a substitute. 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.

The first item on the agenda is the election of a Chairman. There are no provisions in Standing Orders that require a nominee to be seconded. I call on members to make nominations.