Clerk to the Committee:

The Chairman, Deputy Sherlock, has given notice that he will be unavoidably absent from this committee meeting. In that case, according to Standing Orders, the joint committee must proceed at once to elect one of its members as Acting Chairman. I invite nominations for the position.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I propose that Deputy Buckley act as Chairman. I congratulate the Chairman and his good wife on the birth of their new baby, a boy. It is joyous news.

Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I second that proposal and also congratulate the Chairman.

Clerk to the Committee:

As there are no other nominations, I ask Deputy Buckley to take the Chair.

Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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First, there is some housekeeping to be done. I advise members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and interfere with the broadcasting of the proceedings of the meeting, even when left in silent mode.

In accordance with standard procedures agreed to by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for paperless committees, all documentation for the meeting has been circulated to members on the document database.

I propose that we go into private session to deal with some matters before resuming in public session. Is that agreed? Agreed.