Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

No apologies have been received apart from those from an Cathaoirleach, who is currently doing a Topical Issue in the Dáil Chamber and will join us shortly. Members are required to participate in a meeting remotely from within the Leinster House complex only. I remind all those in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Brien.

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 or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee will now consider the Supplementary Estimate for Vote 37 with the Minister for Social Protection. I welcome the Minister, the Minister of State, and their officials to the meeting. I invite the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, to make her opening statement.