Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome members and viewers who may be watching proceedings on Oireachtas TV to the public session of the select committee. On 19 December 2018, the Dáil ordered that the Revised Estimates for Public Services in respect of the following Votes be referred to this committee for consideration. They are Vote 27 - International Co-operation and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs and Trade. Today's meeting will consider the Revised Estimates for both Votes and report back to the Dáil.

On behalf of the select committee, I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora and international development, Deputy Cannon. I also welcome officials from the Department and thank them for the briefing provided in advance of the meeting. The proposed format is that the committee will deal with the Votes on a programme-by-programme basis, the Tánaiste will give a brief overview of Vote 28, and, at the outset of the consideration of each programme, he will give an overview of the programme, including outlining any pressures likely to impact on his Department's performance or expenditure relating to the programme in 2019. The floor will then be open for questions from members. I ask that they put their questions on the specific programme so that we can progress in as orderly and efficient a manner as possible.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. They can also adversely affect television coverage and web streaming. Members received briefing documents on the Revised Estimates. I invite the Tánaiste to make his opening statement.