Members are welcome to our first meeting of the year. I hope they and their families had a pleasant break. I know that many people do not have much time to take a break. I look forward to this being a productive year for the committee.
I welcome Mr. Padraig Ó Háilinn, who is standing in for our permanent clerk, and I welcome back Mr. Michael Crawford, who is assisting him and who has been assisting us for a considerable period.
I request members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. That ruling is the reason I went outside to make a phone call. Apologies have been received Deputy Dan Wallace and Senators Terry and Wilson.
