Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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We have a quorum. I welcome all members to our public session. I have apologies from Senators Eileen Flynn and Ned O'Sullivan. The Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad have appealed to everybody in the parliamentary community to continue to follow public health advice, wear a mask and maintain social distancing. I request that members, witnesses and staff use the wipes and so on. Since I am the only member here in person, along with Senator Horkan, we will abide by the rules.

Before we hear from our witnesses, we have some committee business to attend to. I remind members that they must be in the Leinster House complex in order to attend this meeting. If any member attempts to participate from outside Leinster House, I will have to ask them to leave the meeting. I would like to remind witnesses that as they are giving their evidence from outside Leinster House,.they may not have the same privilege as if they were in Leinster House. They may think it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. They are again reminded that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or damage the good name of any person. They must stop if I say they are breaking that rule.

The first bit of business is approval of the minutes, which has been discussed already in a virtual private session of the committee. The question is that we approve the minutes of the committee meeting held on 4 November 2021. Can I take it that these minutes are approved? Agreed.