Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to consider programme D of the 2024 Further Revised Estimate for Vote 29 - Environment, Climate and Communications. I remind members that the committee has no role in approving the Estimate. It is an ongoing opportunity for the committee to examine departmental expenditure, to make the process more transparent and to engage in a meaningful way on relevant performance issues. I thank the Department for the briefing note provided. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and his officials to the meeting today. On a personal note, I wish the Minister the very best. This is my first time meeting him in a public forum since he announced that he will be stepping back as party leader. All of us on this committee wish him the very best and thank him for all of his engagement. We hope that engagement will continue but the committee wanted to recognise his decision.

I will read a note on privilege for everyone. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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. For the information of anyone watching this meeting, Oireachtas Members and witnesses now have the option of being physically present in the committee room or of joining the committee remotely via MS Teams. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members participating via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution to the meeting.

With the formalities out of the way, I invite the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to make his opening statement.