Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy John Moloney. I ask all members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting. That is important because apart from the discourtesy to witnesses and other committee members, they cause serious problems for the broadcasting, editorial and sound staff as they interfere with the sound system.
The minutes of the meeting held on 6 April have been circulated to members. Are they agreed? Agreed. Is it agreed to go into private session to discuss correspondence and related matters? Agreed.
The joint committee went into private session at 10.31 a.m. and resumed in public session at 10.35 a.m.