David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Vice Chairman, Deputy Barry Cowen.

The Dáil ordered that Revised Estimates for Public Services, in respect of the following Votes, be referred to this committee for consideration. For the first part of this meeting the select committee will consider the Revised Estimates for Vote 35 - Army Pensions.

On behalf of the select committee, I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Deputy Simon Coveney, and his officials. I also thank his officials and the Department for the briefing material provided to members of the committee.

The proposed format of the meeting is that we will begin by dealing with Vote 35 under programmes A and B. At the outset of the consideration I invite the Minister to give an overview on the Vote outlining any pressure likely to impact on his Department's performance or expenditure in terms of the Vote for the remainder of 2022. I will then open up the debate to the floor so that members of the committee can ask questions on each programme. I suggest that members ask questions on a specific programme in order that we can progress in an orderly and efficient manner.

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 or body outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it in any way identifiable.

Members have received briefing documents on the Revised Estimates for Vote 35 from the Department. I invite the Minister to make his opening statement on the Vote and ask members to ensure their questions are as concise as possible and with responses as well so we can move proceedings on in as timely a way as possible.