The second item on the agenda is the election of vice-Chairman so we will take nominations for that position.

I propose Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae.

I second the proposal.

Deputy Healy-Rae has been proposed and seconded. Are there any other proposals? As there are no other proposals, I declare that Deputy Healy-Rae has been elected vice-Chairman of the committee.

I compliment the Chairman and the vice-Chairman of the committee - who was the Chairman of the previous committee. We got on well and it is a great achievement for him to be elected vice-Chairman of this committee.

I thank the Deputy and my proposer and seconder. Anything I can do to progress the committee from meeting to meeting will be done. I will do my best as I did in the past. I wish the Chairman every success and I know he will be a capable Chairman and will handle this committee well.

I thank the Deputy.

I congratulate the Chairman and the vice-Chairman on their appointment and look forward to working with them in the coming years. I hope it will be a productive and useful committee.

Any praise will have to be divided between myself and Deputy Healy-Rae.

As a new Member of the Oireachtas, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Chairman and vice-Chairman on their respective elections and assure them of my support at all times. I look forward to productive meetings.

I thank the Senator.

I apologise for being late but I went to the top of the building rather than the bottom as it is my first time here. I echo the sentiments of other speakers anad congratulate the Chairman and vice-Chairman on their election. I will give them my utmost support during the committee's term.

I thank the Senator.

As another new Member, I congratulate the Chairman and vice-Chairman on their election. I will be looking to their experience for help and guidance on the committee.

I thank the members for their kind wishes. It is unusual that we do not have women on the committee. We do not have the gender balance that is present on other committees.

The joint committee went into private session at 4.07 p.m. and adjourned at 4.15 p.m.