I ask all members to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off during the meeting. This is important because, apart from the discourtesy to witnesses and other committee members, they cause problems for the broadcasting, editorial and sound staff due to the fact that they interfere with the sound system.
The minutes of the meeting on 27 April have been circulated. Are they agreed? Agreed. It is proposed that we 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 9.40 a.m.