Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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Like other members, I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election. It is certainly an onerous and responsible task given the challenges we face. As the Cathaoirleach said, this committee is not just about housing. It has a broader remit, but housing is the number one issue in terms of the Government's work and the challenges we face nationally on the housing front. I look forward to working with everyone here. I welcome the comments of the other members on collegiality and working in a collaborative manner. As was stated, there are plenty of other forums for political debate. When we are at meetings of this committee, I hope we can roll up our sleeves and take a workmanlike approach in terms of getting information and answers and progressing issues, particularly on the housing front, that are critically important

We had a meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts this morning. I am a member of that committee also, and we said we would leave politics at the door. It is important we do that as much as we can. I know the Committee of Public Accounts is a committee like no other in one sense. In light of the national challenge we face in the housing, it is important to try to work together insofar as is possible. I look forward to working with everyone, playing as active a part as I can and being a strong colleague for all the other members.