Apologies have been received from Deputies Andrews and English and Senators Ulick Burke and Tuffy. The first item on the agenda today is the election of a chairman. I invite nominations for the Chair.

I propose Deputy Michael Moynihan as Chairman.

I second that.

As there are no other nominations, I deem Deputy Michael Moynihan to be elected. Before I ask the Deputy to take the Chair, I congratulate him on behalf of the committee. On behalf of everyone, I offer him our full co-operation and support. It is an interesting committee on which we have had a number of very good discussions since it was established and we look forward to working with him in future.

I thank the committee.

Deputy Moynihan took the Chair.

I pay tribute to our former Chairman, Deputy Killeen. He was a great Chairman and all parties worked well with him. We wish him well in his new portfolio as Minister of State. I also congratulate the new Chairman.

I thank the committee for electing me as chairperson and I look forward to working with members. I hope we can have a good constructive committee and work for the betterment of education and science. Whatever issues we deal with, we will try to do so in the spirit of partnership and co-operation. I wish the former Chairman, Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, well with his new portfolio and thank him for his work.

Education is an issue in which I have a deep interest and I look forward to chairing this committee and doing our best for all interested parties.

The joint committee went into private session at 11.40 and resumed in public session at 11.45 a.m.