Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 14 October 2020

Select Committee on Social Protection

Estimates for Public Services 2020
Vote 42 – Rural and Community Development, and the Islands (Further Revised)

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and Minister of State. I remind members, officials and those in the Gallery to please ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode. I also remind members of the importance of cleaning and sanitising their desks and chairs when leaving the meeting in the interest of the health and safety of colleagues.

This meeting has been convened to consider the Further Revised Estimates for Vote 42 - rural and community development, and the islands, which was referred to this committee by Dáil Éireann. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, and the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, to the meeting. I thank the Minister and her officials for the briefing document that has been provided in advance of the meeting.

As the Minister and Minister of State are present, officials should not speak in public session. 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also wish to advise speakers that the opening statements and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting.

The Minister is under pressure for time so, with the agreement of members, we will take her initial contribution as being read and move on to questions and answers. Do members have specific questions on Programme A of the Vote for rural development, regional affairs and the islands?

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