Given the election to the European Parliament of Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, I invite nominations for the position of Chairman. No seconders are required.
Election of Chairman.
Clerk to the Committee
I propose Deputy Tom Kitt.
Clerk to the Committee
As there are no other nominations, I declare Deputy Tom Kitt elected as Chairman of the committee.
Deputy Tom Kitt took the Chair.
I thank members for electing me as Chairman. It is an honour to chair an Oireachtas committee and I look forward to working with all the members in a positive and constructive manner. One of my objectives will be to be fair and impartial with a view to discharging our functions in the best and most efficient way possible. I especially thank the Vice Chairman, Deputy Kennedy, for nominating me. I thank him for all of the work he has done in recent months. I have followed proceedings at the committee, especially at its last meeting which was a lengthy and important one concerning the GPA and other sports matters.