Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and officials to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent remotely. The meeting has been convened to consider the Revised Estimates for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science - Vote 45, which was referred to the committee by Dáil Éireann. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Collins, and his officials. I also thank them for the briefing documents provided to committee members. I call on the Minister of State to make his opening statement, to be followed by general questions on Vote 45.