Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Good morning everyone. I remind members and witnesses to ensure that 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 42 - Rural and Community Development, which was referred to the 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 to indicate, via the raised hand icon, when they wish to contribute.

I welcome the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys, the Minister of State at that Department, Deputy Joe O'Brien, and their officials to the meeting this morning and thank them for the comprehensive briefing documents that were provided to the committee. At the outset, and bearing in mind that this meeting is convened to consider the Further Revised Estimate for the Department of Rural and Community Development, it should be noted that the Minister has graciously agreed to address the issue of the procurement of local employment services at the end of the meeting, notwithstanding the fact that this matter is under her remit in her capacity as Minister for Social Protection, a Department which is also under the remit of this committee. If members are agreed, I propose to set aside 30 minutes at the end of the meeting on the Revised Estimates, at approximately 11 a.m., if not earlier, to discuss this particular issue which has exercised members over the past few months. Is that agreed? Agreed. I thank the Minister for her co-operation in this regard.

As the Minister is now present, officials should not speak in public session. 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 any official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also wish to advise everyone that the opening statements and any other documents that have been submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting. I now invite the Minister to make her opening statement.