Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Niamh Smyth and Alan Farrell. This meeting has been convened to consider Supplementary Estimates for Vote 20 - Garda Síochána, Vote 21 - Prisons, Vote 22 - Courts Service and Vote 24 - Justice. The Supplementary Estimates were referred on 15 October 2024. Under Standing Orders, the role of the committee is to consider the Supplementary Estimates and thereafter to report that we have done so by way of a message to the Dáil.

I thank the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and her officials for attending and assisting our consideration of the Supplementary Estimates. I also thank them for the provision of information related to them. I propose to have the Minister make brief openings remarks, after which I will invite members to contribute. In keeping with this committee's normal approach I propose that we consider each Supplementary Vote in order, subhead by subhead. We can than have some brief closing remarks. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I remind members that in accordance with Standing Orders, discussion should be confined to the items constituting these Supplementary Estimates. I also remind them of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in any way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister to begin.