In an extremely rare move, an Independent TD is to become chairman of an Oireachtas committee. Kerry South's Independent TD, Mr Jackie Healy-Rae, was told last week by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, that he is to become chairman of the Environment and Local Government Committee. The Dublin South East TD for Fianna Fail, Mr Eoin Ryan, is expected to be chairman of the Justice, Equality and Women's Rights Committee. Fianna Fail's Mr Ben Briscoe yesterday became chairman of the House Services Committee. ail library, bars and restaurants.
Mr Batt O'Keeffe is chairman of the Health and Children Committee; his Fianna Fail colleague, Mr Ivor Callely, is to take the chair of the Committee of Enterprise and Small Businesses. Mr Jim Mitchell of Fine Gael is chairman of the influential Public Accounts Committee; Mr Des O'Malley, is chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
The Labour TD for Tipperary South, Mr Michael Ferris, is to chair the Tourism, Sport and Recreation Committee, and the Finance and Public Service committee will be chaired by Mr Michael Ahern (FF).