Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Devlin.

This meeting has been convened to consider the Supplementary Estimate for Vote 29. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Ossian Smyth.

Before I begin, I will read out the note on privilege. I remind members 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 that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask those members who are joining us online that, prior to making their contributions, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I remind members that, in accordance with Standing Orders, discussion should be confined to the items constituting the Supplementary Estimates. I call the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, to make his opening statement, which will be followed by questions and answers.