Apologies have been received from Lady Sylvia Hermon, MP; Ms Naomi Long, MP; Mr. Mark Durkan, MP; Deputy Brendan Smith, for whom Deputy Robert Troy is substituting; Senator Maurice Cummins, for whom Senator Paul Coghlan is substituting; Senator Mary Moran, for whom Senator John Gilroy is substituting, and Senator Mary White.
The first item on the agenda is the election of Chairman. I ask for nominations.
I nominate Deputy Dominic Hannigan for the position of Chairman.
As there are no other nominations, I call on Deputy Dominic Hannigan to take the Chair.
Deputy Dominic Hannigan took the Chair.
Ba mhaith liom chomhgairdeas a ghabháil le gach Teachta Dála ar an comhchoiste seo agus leis na Seanadóirí freisin. Cuirim fáilte roimh Teachtaí Dála as an Tuaisceart.
I thank Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin for nominating me and the committee for its unanimous support. I look forward to working with everybody in this term. I am confident we have the experience and the skills to make a real difference in respect of the Good Friday Agreement.
This is a unique committee. It does not just consist of representatives from the South, every MP at Westminster is welcome to attend. In that respect, I welcome from the North, Mr. Pat Doherty, MP, and Mr. Alastair McDonnell, MP, and look forward to working with them. As was the case in the last Dáil, the committee will operate independently of the Executive. I am looking forward to working on an all-party basis for the duration of the committee.
