John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)

Apologies have been received from Deputies Ardagh and Quaide.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House campus in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to speak from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I will ask members participating via MS Teams, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members 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 the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I remind all those in attendance to make sure that their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

First on the agenda is our consideration of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2025, Vote 37 - Social Protection. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and his officials to the meeting to discuss the aforementioned Revised Estimates. While the committee has no role in approving the Estimates, it is an ongoing opportunity for the committee to examine departmental expenditure to make the budgetary process more transparent and to engage in a meaningful way on relevant performance issues. The Revised Estimates for Vote 37 - Social Protection were presented to the Dáil on 20 May 2025. The social protection Vote is significant in terms of the overall expenditure, accounting for €27 billion, or approximately 25% of the total annual budget. The important functions, role and responsibility bestowed on the Department are reflected in its budgetary allocation. We, as representatives, see the issues that arise on a daily basis for people across the length and breadth of the country. Examination of the allocation, impacts, outputs and, critically, outcomes are a key matrix that this committee takes seriously and it will engage with the Department to improve performance budgeting.

I now call the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to make some brief opening remarks.