Apologies have been received from Deputy Michael D. Higgins and Senator Norris. Deputy Mulcahy may join us later.
I remind members, our visitors and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording equipment even if on silent mode.
Prior to commencing I welcome Mr. Michael Baylor to the meeting. He joins us as the new policy adviser to the joint committee and replaces Mr. Dermot O'Mahony who has returned to the Department of Foreign Affairs. On behalf of the committee, I record our gratitude for Dermot's contribution to the work of the committee for several years.
The minutes of the meeting of 12 September 2006 were circulated. As there are no matters arising from them, I take it they are agreed. Agreed.