Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, and her officials to the meeting. The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the 2014 Revised Estimates for public services, Vote 37 - Social Protection. The Revised Estimate contains information on how money allocated for each programme in 2014 is to be spent, along with the Estimate for 2013; the number of staff connected with the programme in 2014 and how this compares with 2013; performance-related information, with departmental key outputs and context and impact indicators for 2014 and the corresponding information for 2013. Information is also provided in regard to the Social Insurance Fund and appropriations-in-aid.

Consideration of the Revised Estimates provides us with an opportunity to review whether targets set in the distribution of moneys across the Vote are appropriate in all the circumstances and demonstrate best use of resources. A timetable for today's meeting has been circulated. It allows for a brief opening statement by the Minister followed by a discussion on each programme listed in the Estimate. To ensure we do not spend lengthy periods on any particular programme, I ask members to ensure they ask questions relevant only to the programme under discussion. Is that agreed? Agreed. I now invite the Minister for make her opening statement.