Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before giving my opening statement, I wish to indicate to my colleagues that I can only see myself on this monitor. It would be great to see committee members as I address them and deal with their questions.

I am thankful for the invitation to address the committee today in advance of budget 2021, which I will present to Dáil Éireann alongside my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, on Tuesday, 13 October. I would like to begin by congratulating Deputy Hourigan on her appointment as Chair of this committee and Deputy Mairéad Farrell on her appointment as Vice Chair. I wish both Deputies well in their new roles.

I understand the committee would like to discuss a range of topics, including budget forecasts and priorities, debt sustainability, Brexit, pandemic-related support from the EU-----