David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask everyone to turn off his or her mobile phone as they can interfere with the sound recording equipment, even when in silent mode.

The meeting has been convened to consider Supplementary Estimates for Vote 20 - Garda Síochána and Vote 22 - Courts Service. I propose that the committee consider both Supplementary Estimates together. Is that agreed? Agreed. They were referred on 20 November by the Dáil to the committee with an instruction to report back to it by 29 November. Under Standing Orders, the role of the committee is to consider the Supplementary Estimates and report it has done so by way of a message to the Dáil.

I thank the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, and his officials for attending and assisting in our consideration of the Supplementary Estimates. I also thank them for the briefing materials which have been circulated to members. I propose that the following arrangements apply to the debate. The Minister will address the committee, after which each of the Opposition spokespersons will have an opportunity to respond. We can then have an open discussion. Is that agreed? Agreed. I remind members that in accordance with Standing Order 161, discussion should be confined to the items covered in the Supplementary Estimates.