Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have received apologies from Deputies Brady and Clarke. I understand that Deputy Ó Snodaigh will substitute for Deputy Brady. Members will be aware that, on 30 September, the Dáil ordered that the Revised Estimates for Public Services in respect of the following votes be referred to this committee: Vote 35 - Army Pensions; Vote 36 - Defence; and Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs. At today's meeting, we will consider the Estimates for Vote 35 - Army Pensions and Vote 36 - Defence, followed by Vote 28 - Foreign Affairs, and will then report back to the Dáil.

I am very pleased to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Deputy Coveney, and his officials. I thank both the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Defence for the briefing material provided to the committee.

The proposed format of the meeting is that we will first deal with Votes 35 and 36 under programmes A and B. At the outset of the consideration, the Minister may give an overview outlining any pressures likely to impact on the Department's performance or expenditure in respect of these Votes for the remainder of this year. The floor will then be opened for questions from members of the committee. In this regard I welcome Deputy Ó Snodaigh, who will substitute for Deputy Brady. I will invite members to put questions on the specific programme in order that we can progress efficiently. We will take the Votes for the Department of Defence first, followed by that for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

We are under a bit of time pressure having regard to the fact that we have been invited to attend at the National Convention Centre from 1 p.m. for likely votes. I therefore hope that we can get through our business as effectively and efficiently as possible by putting our questions to the Minister succinctly. Perhaps we could aim to conclude at 12.35 p.m. or 12.40 p.m. to allow us time to get to the convention centre.

With regard to housekeeping, members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that we 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 remind members and witnesses to switch off any mobile phones or to put them in flight mode as they interfere with our sound system. I remind members that briefing notes have been received in respect of Votes 35 and 36. I call on the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to make his opening remarks and I thank him for coming.