We now proceed to No. 2 on the agenda, namely, the election of Vice Chairman. May I have nominations for the position of Vice Chairman?
Election of Vice Chairman.
I propose Deputy Ruairí Quinn.
I second that proposal.
Deputy Quinn has been proposed by Deputy Wall and seconded by Deputy O'Dowd.
I propose Deputy Eamon Scanlon.
I second that proposal.
Are there any other nominations? No. Are there any withdrawals? No. As there is more than one nomination, I am required to put each nomination to the committee in the order in which it was received until the Vice Chairman is elected.
It is my understanding that the committee was agreed on the nomination of Deputy Quinn as Vice Chairman. It is certainly the understanding of the Labour Party.
The information I have is that the nomination of Deputy Scanlon was agreed with the Whips.
I apologise but it was my understanding that Deputy Quinn's nomination was agreed. I ask the Chairman's leave to contact the Labour Party Whip to clarify this. I do not want to go against any agreement made. I would prefer to withdraw my nomination of Deputy Quinn than go to a vote.
I would prefer if there is unanimity in electing the Vice Chairman. If members would agree-----
Will the Chairman allow me one minute?
I will suspend the meeting for five minutes.
Thank you.
Sitting suspended at 12.14 p.m. and resumed at 12.15 p.m.
I apologise to Deputy Eamon Scanlon as I received the wrong information from the Labour Whip. I should not have put forward a nomination. I withdraw the nomination of Deputy Quinn.
There is one nomination remaining, that of Deputy Eamon Scanlon from Sligo-Leitrim. I declare him elected Vice Chairman.
I thank Members for electing me. We will all work together as hard as we possibly can on this committee for the benefit of the people we represent here.