JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT debate -
Thursday, 2 Feb 2012

Election of Chairman

Acting Chairman (Deputy Joe O’Reilly)

The first item on our agenda is the election of Chairman. Members will have received a letter from Deputy Hannigan expressing his intention to resign as Chairman of this committee, consequent on his appointment as Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. I congratulate Deputy Hannigan on his appointment to his new position, in which I wish him well. I thank him for the valuable work he carried out on behalf of the committee.

I now request nominations for the position of Chairman of the committee.

Deputy Frank Feighan

I nominate Deputy Tuffy.

Senator Mary Moran

I second the nomination of Deputy Tuffy, who will bring a wealth of experience having served in both Houses. I feel she will make an outstanding Chairman of the committee.

Acting Chairman (Deputy Joe O’Reilly)

As there are no other nominations, I declare Deputy Tuffy Chairman of the committee. I congratulate her and wish her well in the role. I invite her to take the Chair.

Deputy Joanna Tuffy took the Chair.

Chairman

I thank members for electing me to serve as chairperson of this committee and look forward to working with everyone in this capacity. I also look forward to working with the Vice Chairman, Deputy O'Reilly. I thank Deputy Feighan for proposing me and Senator Moran for seconding me.

I am aware of the valuable role this committee plays in fostering better links and dialogue between parliamentarians and groups from both sides of the Border. This committee is unique in that respect.

I acknowledge the great work done by Deputy Hannigan as Chairman of this committee and wish him well in his new role as Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs. Under his chairmanship, he broadened the committee's remit with worthwhile visits to Northern Ireland where connections were made. The meetings the committee has had have been worthwhile and interesting.