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

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 not later than 12 December. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, who will speak about the Supplementary Estimate. I also welcome officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and thank them for the briefing before today's meeting.

The Minister will make a brief opening statement after which the main spokespersons may make a contribution. We can then consider individually the five subheads that make up the Supplementary Estimate, which will be followed by brief closing remarks. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I remind members that, in accordance with Standing Orders, discussions should be confined to the items constituted in the Supplementary Estimates only. Members are also 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 invite the Minister to make his opening statement.