Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's point is taken. It is a very relevant point. I will proceed. I welcome the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Michael Ring, and the Minister of State at the Departments of the Rural and Community Development and Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Seán Kyne. I also extend a warm welcome to the officials accompanying the Minister and Minister of State. I also thank the Minister and the Minister of Sate for the briefings supplied to the committee to accompany the Estimate. To commence our discussions, I invite the Minister and the Minister of State to make their brief opening statements.