Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from An Cathaoirleach, Deputy John McGuinness. I welcome members, and also viewers who may be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas TV, to the public session of the Oireachtas Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach for the Committee Stage consideration of the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath, and his officials to the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind any members who are attending remotely of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. It is important to note that in order to participate in a division in committee, members must be physically present in the committee room.

In order to provide for a smooth running of the meeting of the Committee Stage of the consideration of the Future Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024, any member acting as a substitute for a member of the committee should formally notify the clerk now if he or she has not already done so. Divisions will be taken as they arise. Members must attend in person in the committee meeting room for divisions, although they can attend the meeting remotely. Members attending this meeting in accordance with Standing Order 106(3) should be aware that pursuant to that Standing Order, they may move amendments but cannot participate in voting on those amendments.