Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum, we will commence in public session. All mobile phones should be switched off because they cause interference. I have apologies from Deputies Michael McNamara and Martin Heydon. This meeting has been convened to consider a Supplementary Estimate on Vote 30 - Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which was referred by the Dáil to the committee on 3 December with an instruction to report back to the Dáil not later than 11 December.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, and his officials. I thank them for the briefing material provided, which has been circulated to the members of the committee. I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.