The first item on the agenda is the nomination and election of Chairman. I invite nominations for the Chair.
Election of Chairman.
Clerk to the Committee
I would like to nominate Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl.
I second that nomination.
Clerk to the Committee
Are there are any other nominations? As there are no further nominations, I deem Deputy Ó Fearghaíl to be elected and invite him to take the Chair.
Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl took the Chair.
I thank colleagues, Deputies and Senators for electing me Chairman. Normally, one would have to serve a period in an organisation or committee before being elevated, so it is a particular privilege to be elected at my first meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. I look forward to working in a spirit of collegiality with everybody here towards improving and advancing health services for the people. It is a great privilege to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor, Deputy John Moloney, who worked successfully and amicably with all here over his period as Chairman. I look forward to continuing that work and to completing the work programme set out for the committee. I thank my proposer and seconder.