The first item on the agenda is the election of a chairman. I now invite nominations.
Election of Chairman.
Clerk to the Committee
I propose Deputy Seán Fleming.
I second that proposal.
Clerk to the Committee
As there are no other nominations, I call on Deputy Fleming to take the Chair.
Deputy Seán Fleming took the Chair.
I thank my colleagues for nominating me to be Chairman of this important committee. I hope everybody will contribute positively to its work during the lifetime of this Dáil and Seanad. I welcome the new members to this committee, which is one of the first to meet.
I pay tribute to the outgoing committee chaired by Deputy Cregan who will continue to be a member but will chair another committee.