Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have apologies from Deputy Dillon. The Dáil ordered, on 27 September 2023, that the Supplementary Estimate in respect of Vote 40 - Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, be referred to this committee for consideration. At today's meeting, the committee will consider the Supplementary Estimate and report back to the Dáil. I remind members that only matters relevant to the Supplementary Estimate for 2023 can be discussed at the meeting.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and his officials. I thank them for the briefing material that was provided in advance of the meeting. This material has been circulated to members in advance of the meeting. Mr. David Delaney, assistant secretary, Ms Sheenagh Rooney, assistant secretary, and Mr. Dermot Ryan, assistant secretary, are here from the Department. The proposed format of the meeting is to invite the Minister to deliver an opening statement. Following that, I will open the meeting up to members for questions.

I will go through some normal housekeeping matters. For anyone joining us remotely, the chat function on MS Teams should only be used to make the team on site aware of any technical issues or urgent matters that may arise during the meeting and should not be used to make general comments or statements.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. If members are joining us through Teams, they must confirm whether they are on the Leinster House campus. The Minister and members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I thank the Minister for being here and invite him to make his opening statement.