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

I propose Deputy Cregan.

I second the nomination.

I was going to propose Deputy Healy-Rae.

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

Deputy J. Cregan took the Chair.

I thank my colleagues for supporting me in my election as Chairman and Opposition members for not opposing my nomination. I want to move forward in that vein of co-operation and act impartially in my position as Chairman.

The minutes of the meeting of 31 January have been circulated. Are they agreed? Agreed. Are any matters arising?

I congratulate the Chairman and his predecessor, the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey.

I would like to be associated with Deputy Grealish's comments and I wish the Chairman many long days in the Chair.

I would also like to be associated with wishing the Chairman every success. He has an interest in the committee and I wish him well.

He will be in the Chair for only a few months, after which time he might be in a higher office.

I would like to be associated with the congratulations to the Chairman and the words of thanks to the former Chairman.

I add my wishes to those of my colleagues. I welcome the fact that the Chairman is in an elevated position and I am sorry that I was not here for the inauguration.

A temporary arrangement.

I echo the remarks and I congratulate and wish the Chairman well. I welcome Deputy Michael Moynihan and wish to pay tribute to the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, who did a good job on the committee during difficult times. We discussed controversial legislation and issues. I do not doubt that the Chairman is capable of filling his predecessor's shoes and that he will be an excellent Chairman. He might go to greener pastures next June.

I thank the Deputy. I remind members of the appointment of Deputy Grealish as the Government convenor on the committee. I wish him well for the coming months. I also wish to mention the appointment of Deputy Michael Moynihan to the committee to replace Deputy Haughey.