Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, members have the option of being physically present in the committee room or may join the meeting via Microsoft Teams from their Leinster House office. Members may not participate in the meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts. However, it is important to note that with regard to participation in division, for voting committee members must be physically present in the committee room. I ask anyone joining on Teams to please mute their microphones. There is nobody on Teams.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not, where possible, criticise or make any charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The meeting is being convened to consider the Further Revised Estimates for Public Services 2025, Vote 30 - Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which was referred to the committee by the Dáil on 17 June 2025. I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Heydon, to the committee. I note that he is accompanied by Mr. Gordon Conroy, assistant secretary, finance and State bodies; Ms Siobhán Dowling, principal officer, finance and central procurement development division; and Ms Karen Hanlon, assistant principal, finance division. You are all very welcome here today. Cuirim fáilte romhaibh.

Programme D, the seafood sector of Vote 30 - Agriculture, Food and the Marine, comes within the remit of the Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs. Arising from the change of remit, members are asked not to raise questions on programme D with the Minister. The Minister is going to appear before the Select Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs on programme D at a later date.

The Minister may call on his officials to speak briefly or clarify during the meeting where specific or technical points are raised, and the officials can clarify issues for the committee. Any follow-up questions should be put to the Minister because he is the accountable person. The Minister's opening statement was circulated, and I invite him to give a brief synopsis before moving on to a question-and-answer session with members.