First of all, may I convey to you some apologies? Deputy Maurice Dockrell, our vice-Chairman, is indisposed and will not be able to be present. I am sure I may send to him from you all our good wishes for his speedy recovery. Deputy McDonald and Deputy Fitzgerald are abroad. Senator Higgins is attending an important university meeting. Senator Boland has a very important meeting of his local authority and will not be able to attend until later on. Senators Lenihan and Yeats have to leave early because of an appointment in Europe.
The steering committee which you appointed and which, as you recall, consisted of Deputy Maurice Dockrell, Deputy Barry Desmond, Senator Robinson, Senator Yeats and myself, met to arrange an order of business to place before you today. That order of business has been circulated to you and unless there is any objection from any Member of the committee I propose to proceed with it.