Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Munster. A meeting of the select committee has been convened for consideration of the Supplementary Estimate for Public Services 2023 in respect of Vote 33 - Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, programmes A, D and E. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, and their officials. As the Ministers are present, it is not expected that officials will need to speak in the public session.

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 or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to attend if they are not adhering to that constitutional requirement.

I propose we proceed to opening statements. I invite the Minister, Deputy Martin, to make her opening statement.