As we now have a quorum I call the meeting to order and remind members that we are in public session. The first item on the agenda is the election of Chairman and I now invite nominations for the position.

I propose Deputy Seán Power.

I second that proposal.

Are there any other nominations? As there are no other nominations, I declare Deputy Seán Power as Chairman of the committee and I invite him to take the Chair.

I thank the Clerk to the Committee. I thank my colleagues for selecting me as Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government and hope we can work constructively. While we are all politicians, I know from experience that people tend to be more non-political and more productive on committees. I hope the spirit that prevailed during the last term of this committee prevails during my tenure, that I live up to the task and that I am as fair as I can be.