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

No apologies have been received. I wish to advise that Deputy Conor D. McGuinness is substituting for Deputy O'Reilly today. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members partaking via Microsoft Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that 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 would be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identified person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such directive. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off or in silent mode.

The first item on the agenda is to consider the Revised Estimates for the Public Services 2025, Vote 42 - Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Calleary; the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer; and their officials to the meeting to discuss the Revised Estimates for Vote 42. While the committee has no role in approving the Estimates, it is an ongoing opportunity for the committee to engage and 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 42 - Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht were presented to the Dáil on 17 June 2025. The Department has an important function in working to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. 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, the impacts, the outputs and critically, the outcomes, are key metrics this committee takes seriously. We will engage with the Department on improving performance budgeting. I now call on the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to make some brief opening remarks.