Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have received apologies from Deputy Denis Naughten.

I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode.

This meeting has been convened to consider the Further Revised Estimate for Vote 37 - Social Protection, which was referred to this committee by Dáil Éireann. As members are participating remotely, I ask them to put their microphones on mute for the duration of the meeting and indicate via the raised hand icon when they wish to contribute.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and her officials, Mr. Ciarán Lawler, Ms Aideen Mooney and Ms Saidhbhín Hardiman, to the meeting. I thank the Minister and her officials for the comprehensive briefing document which was provided for this meeting.

Before we commence consideration of the Estimate, I reiterate previous comments made by members of the committee on numerous occasions over the past 15 months in extending our gratitude to all the officials across all grades throughout the Department for their professionalism, efficiency and dedication to public service in rising to the extraordinary challenges that have presented to the Department during the course of this pandemic. The staff in the Department of Social Protection have been exemplary in their service to this country during this crisis, and we should all be very proud of their service during these very challenging and extraordinary times.

As the Minister is present, officials should not speak in public session.

As for privilege, 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 advise the Minister and her officials that her opening statement and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting.

Chun tús a chur leis an gcomhrá, tugaim cuireadh anois don Aire, an Teachta Humphreys, a cur i láthair a dhéanamh.