The second item is the election of Vice Chairman. I invite nominations for the position.
Election of Vice Chairman
I propose Deputy Paschal Donohoe.
I second that proposal.
As there are no other nominations, I declare Deputy Donohoe Vice Chairman of the committee. I congratulate him on his appointment. He is no stranger to the committee, having served efficiently on the previous committee. He also chaired the Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the European Union in 2008. That was a tremendous piece of work, which was undertaken with great professionalism over a short period. I am delighted he is a member of the committee and that he has now been appointed as Vice Chairman.
I thank colleagues for the honour of appointing me to this role. I am a member of the Committee of Public Accounts, which also meets on Thursday mornings, and this is something I hope we can adjudicate on in order that I can participate on both committees. I was a member of this committee during the previous term and I look forward to the coming term. I congratulate the Chairman on his appointment. The constituency of Dublin Central is well represented on this committee and at least each of us will know where the other is most of the time.
I thank the Deputy.
The joint committee went into private session at 11.55 a.m. and adjourned at 12.15 p.m until noon on Thursday, 7 July 2011.