Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are very welcome. I extend apologies on behalf of our Chair, Deputy Niamh Smyth, who unfortunately cannot be with us today due to illness. I thank the witnesses very much for coming along. Senator Marie Sherlock will be attending today in substitution for Senator Annie Hoey. We have apologies from Deputy Smyth, as I have said, and from Deputy Andrews. I am informed that Deputy Mairéad Farrell will also be attending the meeting.

Before we go to the opening statements, we have to deal with some committee business. Can I take it that the draft minutes of our meeting of 27 February 2024 are formally agreed and that there are no matters arising? Agreed.