Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the members for their patience. I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, Ms Elizabeth Canavan, Secretary General at the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and also in the Visitors Gallery, Mr. Paul Fay and Mr. Dermot Ryan. If they wish to join us, they are more than welcome to come down. This meeting has been convened for the purpose of considering the Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. I remind committee members that this is a Supplementary Estimate, so we are not dealing with the whole Estimate.

I remind committee members that this is a Supplementary Estimate, so we are not dealing with the whole Estimate. It is a specific Vote, Vote 40, which is the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

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 or persons outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. We have apologies from Deputy Ciara Conway.

I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, and his officials to the meeting. The Dáil has ordered that the Supplementary Estimate under Vote 40 be referred to this committee. We are only considering the Supplementary Estimate, and while members may discuss issues regarding individual subheads, they may not recommend an increase or decrease in the Supplementary Estimate.

I call upon the Minister to make his opening remarks and am conscious that we have a vote in the Dáil.