I advise members to switch off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and the broadcasting of proceedings, even when left in silent mode. I am giving good example by switching off mine.
Apologies have been received from Deputies Clare Daly and Mick Wallace who notified me that they would be attending a conference outside the country.
The meeting has been convened to consider Committee Stage of two Bills - the Criminal Justice (Suspended Sentences of Imprisonment) Bill 2016 and the Criminal Justice (Offences Relating to Information Systems) Bill 2016. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy David Stanton, and his officials. It is not the first we have welcomed him, as he is a former Cathaoirleach of this committee.