Joanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I echo the previous sentiments of my colleagues in congratulating the Cathaoirleach on his appointment as Chair of this committee. Everybody knows that this is probably one of the most powerful committees of the 28 political panels. On a personal level, I am particularly honoured to be appointed by our party leader to this committee, as I am sure is everyone around the table here. I assure the Cathaoirleach and Mr. McCarthy that we are all here to work in a collegial manner to ensure the business of the committee is as efficient and as diligent as it can be. The rest of us will probably be relying on Deputies McAuliffe and Connolly for a while until we find our feet but I have no doubt they will be there to guide us as we move forward.

Regarding a couple of items the Cathaoirleach mentioned, I am our party's spokesperson on media, communications and the arts and some of the big hitters in the headlines at the moment will probably cross over between the media committee and the public accounts committee. The IPAS issue is of particular interest to me as well. As a lot of people know, I am a proud Drogheda girl and recently we lost our only hotel - in the largest town in the country and realistically probably the next city of Ireland - to IPAS accommodation. There already are deficiencies in the usage and occupancy of that hotel and there is a lot to be explored as to whether the detriment outweighs the gains. I look forward to working with the Cathaoirleach and I wish to reassure him and Mr. McCarthy that we are here to aid the committee in its work going forward.