John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and his officials. I remind members and witnesses to turn off all mobile phones. I remind members of the longstanding parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The purpose of the meeting is to review the Department and its expenditure. I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.