Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy Moloney, who is unavoidably absent. I ask members to turn off their mobile telephones for the duration of the meeting. This is very important as, apart from being a discourtesy to witnesses and members, it also causes serious problems for the broadcasting, editorial and sound staff as they interfere with the sound system. Members should turn telephones off completely and not just leave them in silent mode.

I wish to convey the apologies of Deputy Neville and Deputy Twomey.

I thank the Senator. The minutes of the meetings of 25 and 31 January have been circulated to members. Are the minutes agreed? Agreed. I propose we sit in private session to discuss correspondence and related matters. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The joint committee went into private session at 9.34 a.m. and resumed in public session at 9.50 a.m.