Clerk to the Committee:

The committee is today meeting in public session virtually through Microsoft Teams in committee room 4 in Leinster House 2000. The Chairman and Vice Chairman are not available to chair the meeting. In accordance with Standing Order 104(4), the committee must elect a temporary cathaoirleach. Can a member now please nominate Senator Aisling Dolan as temporary cathaoirleach?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Unfortunately, I am unable to chair today's meeting. I propose that Senator Dolan take the Chair.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I second the nomination.

Clerk to the Committee:

I declare Senator Aisling Dolan duly elected as temporary cathaoirleach.

Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael)
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I thank the clerk. Apologies have been received from Deputies Nolan and Ó Laoghaire and from Senators Flynn, Mullen and O'Loughlin. Deputy Conway-Walsh will take Deputy Ó Laoghaire's slot and Senator Malcolm Byrne will take Senator O'Loughlin's slot. I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode. The minutes of the meeting of 8 July have been circulated to all members. Are the minutes agreed to? Agreed. Are the minutes of the meeting of 29 June 2021 agreed to? Agreed.