Chairman:

The Dáil ordered that the following Revised Estimates be referred to this committee for consideration: Vote 31 – Transport; and Programme A of Vote 29 - Environment, Climate and Communications.

The committee has no role in approving the Estimates. Instead, this is an ongoing opportunity to examine departmental expenditure, to make the process more transparent and to engage in a meaningful way on relevant performance issues.

Due to a scheduling clash, the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is unable to attend today's meeting. The Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, has indicated she will be dealing with Vote 31 today. The Minister's office has indicated that he will attend the committee at a later date to deal with Programme A of Vote 29. I hope that will be next week.

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 welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, and her officials to the meeting. I call on her to make her opening statement.