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

I remind members, officials and those in the Gallery to please ensure their phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even on silent mode.

This meeting has being convened to consider the Supplementary Estimate - Vote 42, Rural and Community Development, which was referred to the committee by Dáil Éireann. I welcome the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys; the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien; and their officials to the meeting. I thank them for providing a briefing document in advance of the meeting. As the Ministers are 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 an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I wish to advise the Minister that her opening statement and any other documents she has submitted to the committee may be published on its website after the meeting. I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.