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

As we have a quorum, we will commence the meeting. We are now in public session. Apologies have been received from Deputy McConalogue. I remind members and witnesses to make sure their mobile phones are turned off completely as they interfere with the broadcasting system. The meeting has been convened to consider the Supplementary Estimate for 2018: Vote 30 - Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which was referred to the committee by the Dáil on 21 November with an instruction to report back to the Dáil no later than 12 December. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who will speak about the Supplementary Estimate. I also welcome officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Minister will make a brief opening statement after which members who indicate they wish to speak will have an opportunity to give a brief response if they wish. We can then consider the Supplementary Estimate. Is that agreed? Agreed. I remind members in that in accordance with Standing Orders, discussions should be confined to the items that constitute the Supplementary Estimate. We are trying to keep it as concise and focused as possible. I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.