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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Rabbitte and Sherlock. I welcome members and also viewers who may be watching the proceedings of this public session of the Select Committee on Children and Youth Affairs on Oireachtas TV. On 21 November 2018, the Dáil ordered that the Supplementary Estimates for Public Services in respect of Vote 40 - Children and Youth Affairs - be referred to this committee for consideration. The purpose of this meeting is to consider the Supplementary Estimate and report back to the Dáil. The select committee is required to report back to the Dáil not later than 12 December 2018.

On behalf of the select committee, I welcome , Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, who is accompanied by her officials, Dr. Fergal Lynch, Secretary General, Mr. Dermot Ryan, assistant secretary, Ms Bernie McNally, assistant secretary, and Mr. Gerard Hughes, principal officer, Department of Children and Youth Affairs. I thank them for their briefing material.

The proposed format of the meeting is that we will deal with Vote 40 and the Supplementary Estimate, which relates to subhead B4 - general childcare programmes. At the outset of the consideration of the Estimates, the Minister can give an overview of the programme and the requirement for the Supplementary Estimate. We will then open the floor to members of the committee.

Members are reminded 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. I remind members to please turn off their mobile phones as they can interfere with the broadcasting system and reporting of our meeting.

Members have received a briefing document on the Supplementary Estimate. I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.