The first item on the agenda is the election of a chairperson. I ask for nominations for the position of chairman.

I propose Deputy Johnny Brady.

I second that proposal.

Are there any other nominations? As there are no other nominations, I call on Deputy Brady to take the Chair.

DEPUTY JOHNNY BRADY took the Chair.

I thank the members of the committee for electing me Chairman. It is a great honour to have been elected and I look forward to working with everyone in a spirit of partnership and co-operation. I am confident we will bring to bear our combined skills and enthusiasm and make this a productive committee that discharges its functions in an efficient and enlightened way.

I welcome the members of the committee, particularly those who are newly elected Members of Dáil or Seanad Éireann. Members will be aware that this joint committee, composed of Members of both Houses, has the function of reviewing the policy work and strategic statements of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the implementation of Government policy by bodies under the aegis of the Department. The Clerk to the Committee has circulated a briefing document on the functions and powers of the committee. A copy of the work programme adopted by the former committee has also been circulated. Matters related to rural development, the marine and natural resources which have been included in the work programme now come under the remit of other committees. I suggest we consider a draft work programme at our next meeting and if there are matters Members think the committee should consider, they might contact the clerk. The committee is required by Standing Orders to prepare a work programme which must be laid before both Houses.

It is the function of the select committee, composed of Members of Dáil Éireann only, to consider such Bills and Estimates as are referred to it from Dáil Éireann from time to time. Thus separate meetings of each committee will take place as and when required. Copies of Dáil and Seanad orders of reference of the joint committee and the select committee have been supplied to members with the agenda of today's meeting. A copy of the relevant Dáil and Seanad Standing Orders setting out the powers of each committee has also been circulated.

I will endeavour to be as fair and impartial as I can to all members of this committee. I believe that a united approach, where all members contribute and feel their efforts are worthwhile, will give the best results. I thank my proposer and seconder and I thank the Taoiseach for nominating me to this position.

On behalf of the Fine Gael group, I congratulate the Chairman on his election. It is well deserved and it will be our aim over the lifetime of the committee to assist and co-operate in any way we can. Over the next few days we will submit a list of items we would like to see in the work programme.

I also offer my congratulations and look forward to working with the Chairman. On behalf of the Labour Party group, I wish him every success in the post. We will do our best to co-operate and discuss all matters agricultural in a fruitful manner.

I, too, congratulate the Chairman and I look forward to working with him in a constructive and positive way in the weeks and months ahead.

I too congratulate the Chairman on his election. I have worked with him for the last five years on this committee and he has put a great deal of work into it.

I join everyone in congratulating the Chairman on his election. We are all aware of his competence, knowledge and experience in agriculture and the leading role he played in the last committee. His appointment is not a surprise to anyone.

I too would like to be associated with the remarks that have been made so far. The Chairman, is an acquaintance of my father and I hope to develop a relationship with him, as did my father.

I also congratulate the Chairman on his election. He will contribute greatly with his knowledge and experience of agriculture and the workings of this committee. He put in a great deal of effort in the past five years and I wish him the best of luck.

I congratulate the Chairman, wish him well over the next five years and look forward to working with him. I am a newly elected Member and I will be looking for all the guidance I can get.

I join other members in congratulating the Chairman on his election. Like Deputy Carty, I am a new Member and look forward to working with the Chairman and learning from him. I wish him well.

As a new member I would like to be associated with the remarks already made. There is no doubt that this will be a very important committee and I wish the Chairman well. He has a good knowledge of agriculture.

I also congratulate the Chairman. I wish him well and look forward to working with him.

I congratulate the Chairman and wish him the best of luck.

I wish to be associated with the remarks and good wishes to you, chairman, on your appointment. That I am last to speak on the issue does not mean I am not sincere. I look forward to working with you on the committee. Like other speakers I am a new member and will be looking to you for help and guidance.

I thank all members for their kind remarks. I wish the spokespersons the best of luck in the years ahead. We worked well with Deputy Penrose and the former Deputy, Alan Dukes, in the previous committee and I am sure the same will happen this time.

Do not forget Paddy Sheehan.

Paddy was spokesperson for every side of the House, even the Minister.