Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, and his officials here today.

The purpose of this meeting is to consider the motion on the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2018, which was referred to us by the Dáil and Seanad on 22 November 2018 for consideration, and imposed a deadline of 29 November for which the committee must report back.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members 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.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.