Members must turn off their mobile phones when attending committee meetings. Active mobile telephone interference with the sound system is an ongoing issue with RTE and other broadcasters such as radio stations.
Business of Joint Committee
I thought we were to set them to airplane mode. We got an e-mail from the IT services.
Airplane mode will suffice but it is akin to turning them off. Radio stations in particular can hear the feedback and they end up not covering proceedings because of it. I am not saying I am not a culprit myself. Do not get me wrong.
The Chairman is probably the worst.
Deputy Kevin Humphreys has the RTE antenna hanging out the back of his pocket every time we see him, which is a massive interruption.
Is this something the Labour Party supplies?
Deputy Catherine Murphy might take the lead from Deputy Kevin Humphreys. We have apologies from the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Deputy Coonan.
The joint committee went into private session at 2.20 p.m. and resumed in public session at 4 p.m.