Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum, the committee is in public session. Apologies have been received from Deputies Seán Crowe and Maureen O'Sullivan. As we are in public session, all mobile phones should be switched off as they cause interference with the recording equipment here in the committee rooms, even if on silent mode. This meeting has been convened to consider Supplementary Estimate for Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence. I propose to take both Supplementary Estimates together as they are linked. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Briefing has been circulated to members and our duty this evening is to consider the Supplementary Estimates and to report to the Dáil when we have done so by way of a message to the Dáil. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, and his officials for attending and assisting in our consideration of the Supplementary Estimates. I also thank him for the briefing material that has been circulated to the members of the committee.

I remind members that in accordance with Standing Orders, discussion should be confined to the items constituting the Supplementary Estimates. That applies to the Minister of State and all members. I now invite the Minister of State to begin his contribution.