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

The business of the committee is the Supplementary Estimates for Votes 20 to 22, inclusive, and Vote 24. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, and the officials from the Department for their attendance and the provision of information related to the Estimates. I propose that the Minister of State give a brief opening statement and I will then invite members to contribute. We will consider each Vote in order and each subhead, which make up the Supplementary Estimates, individually. Is that agreed? Agreed.

In accordance with Standing Orders, the discussion must be confined to items constituting the Supplementary Estimates. 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 of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite the Minister of Stage to make his opening statement.