Apologies have been received from Deputies Niamh Smyth and Alan Farrell, and Senator Barry Ward. I remind members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting, and television coverage and web streaming will also be adversely affected.
I wish to place on record that at the committee's private meeting on 24 September last I made the appropriate declaration in accordance with Standing Order 104(3)(a).
I welcome the new member of the committee, Deputy Johnny Guirke. He has been appointed to the committee to replace Deputy Mark Ward who has been discharged. On behalf of the committee, I thank Deputy Ward for his contribution while he was a member. I look forward to working with Deputy Guirke.
We will go into private session briefly to deal with an issue that has arisen.