Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting and recording equipment, even when left in silent mode.

I welcome the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Humphreys, and the Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Halligan. I thank them for the briefing material provided for the committee. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the Supplementary Estimate for Vote 32 for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, which was referred by the Dáil to the committee on 19 November with an instruction to report back to it not later than 12 December.

I propose the Minister and the Minister of State make brief statements to the committee. The select committee can then consider the relevant subheads in the Supplementary Estimate. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I remind members that, in accordance with Standing Order 184, discussions should be confined to the items constituted in the Supplementary Estimates only. Members should indicate the subhead to which they are referring if 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 invite the Minister to make her opening statement.