Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputy Mythen. This meeting has been convened to consider the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2023: Vote 33, programme areas A, B, D and E, which was referred to this committee by Dáil Éireann.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne. The Minister of State is particularly welcome. It is his first time in front of this committee in his new role. I congratulate him and we look forward to working with him.

As the Minister and Minister of State are present, it is not expected that any officials would have to speak in the public session. I also advise the meeting that the opening statements and any other documents that have been submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I will invite opening statements from the Minister and Minister of State. These will be followed by questions from members as we consider each programme area. It is proposed that questions will be taken as members indicate for today's slots, rather than our normal speaking slots so I ask members to indicate.

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 also remind members of the constitutional requirements that they must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate at the committee's public meetings. I cannot permit a member to attend where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. I ask members to identify themselves when contributing for the benefit of the Debates Office staff preparing the Official Report. I ask that members joining us by Microsoft Teams, please mute their microphone when they are not contributing to reduce the background noise and feedback and use the button to raise their hand when they wish to contribute. Finally, may I also remind all of those joining today's meeting to ensure that their mobile phones are on silent or, better again, switched off.