I propose Deputy Pat Deering. I worked with the Deputy on the Oireachtas committee dealing with agriculture, food, natural resources and energy. He comes from an agricultural background and has vast experience in the area. He will provide excellent back-up to you as Chairman, and I congratulate you on your election. As you mentioned, we have worked together for the past 12 months and the Chairman has been very impartial, giving everybody their say and listening to all parties. Everybody would agree that you have been an excellent Chairman and I wish you the best for the next four years.
Election of Vice Chairman
I second that proposal.
Are there other proposals for the position of Vice Chairman? As there are no other nominations, I declare Deputy Pat Deering to be elected Vice Chairman of the committee. I invite Deputy Deering to speak.
I thank the proposer and seconder for nominating me to the position of Vice Chairman and I thank the committee for electing me. I look forward to working in conjunction with the Chairman and offering whatever assistance I can. It is appropriate that the former committee, which had a broader brief, has been divided into several committees as the country enters a challenging time from the point of view of CAP reform. It is important that it has a specific priority in the next period of time. I look forward to contributing whatever I can in that regard and to being of assistance to the Chairman. I also congratulate the Chairman and wish him well in his position.
I congratulate Deputy Deering. We have someone who chairs meetings but in reality everyone works together as best they can. It will not always be possible but, as far as we can, we will work together.
The joint committee went into private session at 2.10 p.m and adjourned at 2.30 p.m. until noon on Wednesday, 20 June 2012.