Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Even though this is a virtual meeting, I remind members and officials to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when in silent mode. The meeting has been convened to consider the Revised Estimates for Vote 26 - Education, and Vote 45 - Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, which were referred to this committee by Dáil Éireann.

Members are reminded of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the precincts of the Parliament, namely, Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin, in order to participate in today's meeting. I will not permit any member to participate if he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts of the Parliament will be asked to leave the meeting. When I call on members to contribute, could they confirm they are in the precincts of either Leinster House or the convention centre?

I welcome the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, and the Minister of State at the Department of Education, Deputy Madigan, and their officials. I thank them for the briefing documents provided. I invite the Minister to make an opening statement. Members may ask general questions on Vote 26. They will have four minutes per slot, which is to allow for a question and the response of the Minister or Minister of State. When asking a question, members should indicate to whom they are addressing it to.