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

There are no apologies. The first item on the agenda is the engagement on matters relating to rural and community development with the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Dara Calleary, and the Minister of State with responsibility for community development, charities and rural transport, Deputy Jerry Buttimer.

I advise Members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a Member to participate where they are not adhering to the 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 Member partaking in the meeting via Microsoft teams that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members and witnesses 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 which may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if Member or witness statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

This committee welcomes the opportunity to engage with both the Minister and Minister of State in the Department on the many important issues facing citizens in the rural and community development domain. Communities, both rural and urban, are the lifeblood of society. They are the social fabric of the country and their important contribution to society cannot be overstated. The committee wishes to support those communities and ensure the opportunities and supports are put in place to facilitate what communities do best to thrive, both now and into the future. The committee looks forward to engaging constructively on these matters throughout the parliamentary term.

I invite the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to make his opening remarks.