Before we commence business, on behalf of the joint committee I congratulate Deputy Seán Haughey on his appointment as Minister of State. I am sure all members will join me in thanking Deputy Haughey for his exceptional work as chairman of this committee from November 2004 until his appointment yesterday. We wish him all the luck in the world in his new post.
The joint committee went into private session at 10.34 a.m. and resumed in public session at 10.36 a.m.