John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask those present to turn off their mobile phones. I ask speakers to identify themselves as they make a contribution. I welcome the Minister of State and his colleagues to this committee, which is dealing with Estimate for the Office of Public Works, OPW.

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 House, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members must be physically present for these meetings either in the meeting room, their offices or in the general precincts of Leinster House. Members who are not in Leinster House, or in their offices, are not allowed to contribute. The Minister of State and members are reminded that due to Covid-19 restrictions the meeting must conclude in two hours. If they are unhappy with that, they can come back again another day for another two hours. There is no problem. We will facilitate the Minister of State.

The Dáil ordered that the Revised Estimate for public services 2021 in respect of the following Vote be referred to this select committee for consideration: Vote 13 - Office of Public Works. The format for the meeting is that we will consider the Estimates and members will then have the opportunity to ask questions. I call the Minister of State to make his opening statement. If he wishes to shorten that statement he can, as the committee already has it.

It is no harm to remember Mr. Kevin Boxer Moran, a previous Minister of State who presented Estimates to the committee. He was an excellent Minister of State and we wish him well in whatever he is up to now. He was very good at visiting constituencies and delivering the various schemes under his remit.