John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Dáil ordered that the following Revised Estimate for public services be referred to this committee for its consideration: Vote 29 - Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, and his officials. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the Revised Estimate and the supplementary performance information on the outputs and impacts of the expenditure programme. A draft timetable has been circulated. Is it agreed to? Agreed. The briefing material providing details of the Revised Estimate was circulated to members. The committee agreed to the arrangements for today at its meeting on 22 May. I call on the Minister to make some opening comments.