I welcome everyone to the meeting. Apologies have been received from Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is a permanent witness to this committee, and he is joining us remotely. Deputy Marc MacSharry has stood down from the committee and is being replaced by Deputy James O'Connor, who may join us later. I propose that the committee ask the clerk to send a letter to Deputy MacSharry to thank him for his work as a member of the committee over many years. He took a great interest in that work and I express the committee's thanks for his efforts.
As we return to participating at committee meetings in person, I ask members and all in attendance to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. They are strongly advised to leave at least one vacant seat between themselves and others attending, practise good personal hygiene and always maintain an appropriate level of social distancing during and after meetings. Masks should be worn at all times during meetings except when speaking. I ask for the full co-operation of members on this.