In the unavoidable absence of the Chair and Vice Chair, I seek nominations for the role of Acting Chair in accordance with Standing Orders.
Business of Joint Committee
Clerk to the Committee
I propose that Deputy Niamh Smyth take the Chair.
Clerk to the Committee
Are there any other nominations? No. I call on Deputy Smyth to take the Chair.
Deputy Niamh Smyth took the Chair.
I thank members for their attendance. I also thank our witnesses who we will be hearing from shortly. There are some housekeeping matters so I ask members to bear with me while I deal with them. We have received apologies from Deputy Pa Daly and Senator Vincent P. Martin. I welcome Deputy Thomas Gould who is substituting for Deputy Pa Daly.
I remind members to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode, as they cause an interference for our parliamentary reporters.
Before we get into the body of the meeting, I would appreciate if members and colleagues would indulge me in paying tribute to Garda Padraig Scott who was recently subjected to an appalling attack in the line of duty in the little village of Blacklion, which is in the Border area. He was an unarmed garda out doing his duty, protecting the community and citizens, and was attacked in the most appalling manner. He was doused in petrol and physically assaulted. I want to pay tribute to him and give him our good wishes. I would be appreciative if the committee would join with me in proposing that we send a letter to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to give our unwavering support to An Garda Síochána in the work that it does in every part of the country, but particularly in the Border constituencies, which we all acknowledge is a little bit more difficult in terms of the terrain and the work it does there, and to extend our good wishes to Garda Padraig Scott for a speedy recovery and a return to duty as soon as possible.