Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome members. I am aware that Deputy Denise Mitchell is running late owing to a family matter.

We are meeting to consider the Revised Estimate for Vote 40 for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs which was referred to the select committee by order of the Dáil on 14 December 2017. I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, and her many officials whom I thank them for the briefing material supplied. The proposed format of the meeting is that we will deal with the Vote on a programme by programme basis. At the outset of the consideration of each programme the Minister can give an overview of it. We will then take questions from members.

I remind members and those in the Visitors Gallery that mobile phones should be switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting and recording systems, even when left in silent mode. I also remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The briefing material supplied in advance on the various programmes has been forwarded to members. We will proceed sequentially and members will be called in the order in which they indicate.

I invite the Minister to make an opening statement.