I welcome all members. Apologies have been received from Senator Browne. I ask all members to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting. This is an important point because, apart from the discourtesy to witnesses and other committee members, they also cause serious problems for the broadcasting and editorial staff as they interfere with the sound system.
As members have other engagements, I will try to move on as quickly as possible. The minutes of the meeting held on 16 February have been circulated to members. Are the minutes agreed? Agreed.
It is proposed to go into private session to discuss correspondence and related matters. Is that agreed? Agreed.
The joint committee went into private session at 9.35 a.m. and resumed in public session at 9.50 a.m.