Apologies have been received from Deputies Regina Doherty and Martin Ferris and Senator Maurice Cummins. I remind members, guests and those in the Visitors Gallery to please ensure their mobile telephones, ipads, blackberries, etc., are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode.
I welcome Deputy Ruairí Quinn who replaces Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin on the joint committee. I look forward to working with him. I thank Deputy Ó Ríordáin for his contribution during his time as a member of this committee. He was a valued member.
As we have some housekeeping matters to deal with I propose that we go into private session to do so.