Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Today we are going to consider the Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024. At the outset, I thank members and witnesses for participating in today's committee meeting.

I remind members that they are required to participate in the meeting either from within the meeting room or remotely from within the Leinster House complex. Should a division occur, any members participating remotely will be required to make their way to the meeting room within the normal division time to vote before returning to their original location. No apologies have been received. This meeting has been convened for the purpose of considering Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was referred to the select committee by order of the Dáil on 20 March 2024. The purpose of the Bill is to provide for the transfer of the ownership of Microfinance Ireland from Social Finance Foundation to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and related matters. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, who is accompanied by his official. I propose that we try to complete our consideration of Committee Stage of the Bill today. Is that agreed? Agreed. We will now proceed with consideration of the Bill and I invite the Minister of State to make some remarks.