We have a quorum and will commence the meeting. As this is the first meeting of the new year I wish all the members of the committee a very happy new year. I look forward to a productive year for this joint committee.
I bring to members' attention a letter received by fax late yesterday evening from Mr. Cormac Healy, Meat Industry Ireland, conveying his apologies to the committee for being unable to attend today's meeting. The letter has been circulated and we may discuss its contents at the end of the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.
The minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2005 have been circulated. Are the minutes agreed? Agreed.
We will invite the witnesses to join us.