Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Unfortunately, the Chair is unavoidably absent. I have received apologies from Deputy Brendan Smith, who is on his way.

I advise members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate when they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any members participating via Microsoft Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that members comply with any such direction.

Before we begin consideration of the agenda items scheduled, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce members to the team who will provide secretariat support to the committee. The committee secretariat team who will support us in our work are clerk to the committee, Martha Dowling; policy adviser, Alex Alino; junior clerk, Barbara Hughes; and clerical officer, Margaret O'Donnell. The contact details for staff were circulated to members in advance of this meeting. The clerk and her team are readily available to assist members and address queries relating to the committee's work. I thank them all for their diligent work.

The first item on the agenda is the nomination for Leas-Chathaoirleach. As agreed at the first meeting of the committee, one nomination for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach was received.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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Yes, that is fine.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I had nominated Deputy Brendan Smith in advance of the meeting and I spoke to him this morning. Are there any other nominations for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach?

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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To clarify, has Deputy Smith agreed to accept the nomination of Vice Chair?

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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No, but I do not want to say that when he is not here.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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That is fine.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Do members wish to defer the election until next week or deal with it now?

David Maxwell (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I nominate Deputy Albert Dolan for Vice Chair.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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I second that.

Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein)
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I have no problem with that.

David Maxwell (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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If Deputy Dolan is agreeable to doing it.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I will confirm whether it is okay to take the nomination.

Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Two nominations may mean a deferral until next week.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Smith is on his way so I suggest we defer the election until near the end of this meeting so he will have to arrive and we can make a decision then. Is that fair?

Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Perfect.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy has demonstrated his good chairperson experience.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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So that is agreed. The next item on the agenda will be dealt with in private session and we will resume later in public session to conclude the election of Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I will start at No. 1, with nominations for Leas-Chathaoirleach as agreed at the first meeting of the committee. One nomination for the position has been received. I understand that Deputy Smith has withdrawn.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Absolutely.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I invite members to make any nominations they may have for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach.

David Maxwell (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I nominate Deputy Dolan as Vice Chair for this committee.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I second the nomination.

Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Are there any other nominations? No.

As there is only one nomination, is the question "That Deputy Albert Dolan be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen." agreed? Agreed. I declare myself elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach. I congratulate the newly-elected Leas-Chathaoirleach on the position and I look forward to working with everyone on the committee and with our Cathaoirleach, who unfortunately could not be here.

That question is agreed. As part of procedure I want to make sure I have it right. It is right. Perfect. I thank members for the meeting. I now go to the last item. As we have proceeded through all the other items in private session, the meeting stands adjourned.