Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This meeting has been convened to consider the Further Revised Estimates for Vote 37 - Social Protection, which was referred to the committee by Dáil Éireann. I welcome the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, and her officials, Mr. Ciarán Lawler and Ms Saidhbhín Hardiman, to the meeting. I thank the Minister and her officials for the briefing document that was provided for the meeting.

As we have the Minister present, officials should not speak during the public session. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise, comment on or make charges against any person or persons outside the House or to an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I advise the witnesses that any opening statement or any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after the meeting.

To commence our discussion I now invite the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, to make her opening presentation.