Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As we have the required quorum of three Deputies, we will commence the meeting. We are in public session. I wish to advise members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and will interfere with the broadcasting of the meeting. Apologies have been received from Deputy Peadar Tóibín. This meeting has been convened for the purpose of the consideration by this committee of the Revised Estimates for public services for the year ending 31 December 2017: Vote 33 - Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Is this agreed? Agreed.

I welcome the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, the Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeltacht affairs and natural resources, Deputy Seán Kyne, the Minister of State with responsibility for regional economic development, Deputy Michael Ring, and their officials, Ms Katherine Licken, Secretary General, Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh, assistant secretary, Mr. Niall Ó Donnchú, assistant secretary, Mr. William Parnell, assistant secretary, Mr. Aodhán Mac Cormaic, stiúrthóir na Gaeilge, Mr. Conor Falvey, Ms Breda Moynihan and Mr. Joe Healy, to the meeting. I thank them for their attendance.

I propose that we begin with an opening statement from the Minister. Is this agreed? Agreed. I ask the Minister to make her opening statement.