The first item on the agenda is the nomination and election of a Chairman. I invite nominations for the position of Chairman.

I propose Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae.

I second that proposal.

Are there any other nominations for the position? As there are no other nominations for the position, I declare Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae to be duly elected Chairman of this committee.

Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae took the Chair.

I thank members for nominating and electing me as Chairman of this committee. It is a great honour. I look forward to working with all members in a genuine spirit of partnership and co-operation. I am confident we will bring our combined skills and enthusiasm to bear to make this a highly productive committee that discharges its functions in an efficient and enlightened manner.

I welcome all members to the committee particularly the newly-elected Members of the Dáil and Seanad. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the members of the former committee which brought its own experience and knowledge to the workings of the committee. I hope this committee will be equally effective. I anticipate the committee will build on the previous committee's valuable work programme which identified the pertinent social and family issues needing to be addressed. I will endeavour to be as fair and impartial as I can to all members of the committee. A united approach, whereby all members contribute and feel their efforts are worthwhile, will give the best results.