Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Members are required to participate in the meeting remotely from within the Leinster House precincts only. I remind all those in attendance to make sure that their mobile phones are switched off or in silent mode. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the Supplementary Estimates within the remit of the committee.

I welcome the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Heather Humphreys, and her officials. We will now consider the Supplementary Estimates for Vote 42. I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.