Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Gloster very much. To put the issues in focus, this is the correct time to discuss them. To what extent were those compiling the Estimates made aware of these issues? Were they made aware of the grievous situation with particular reference to the current year and 2024? I hope that is something that will emerge during the course of the meeting and the extent to which discussions took place on whether or not there was a satisfactory arrangement to agree on the Estimates. We as public representatives and in this committee have to deal with the situation that emerges. We do not deal with the situation behind the scenes during the compilation of the Estimates.

On behalf of members, the first speaker is Senator Martin Conway. He has ten minutes.