Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have no apologies. You are all very welcome, and I ask anyone joining remotely to mute himself or herself when not contributing so that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are on silent mode or switched off.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that, in order to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside of the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. As the Minister is present, it is not expected that officials would speak in this public session.

The Select Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is meeting for the first time today with the Minister to consider the Revised Estimates, Vote 45 - Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The Estimates process is Dáil Éireann's method to allow the Department of public expenditure, national development plan delivery and reform to seek to withdraw funds from the Exchequer to meet most Government spending obligations. Articles 17.1.1° and 28.4.4° of the Constitution provide for the presentation to and consideration of Estimates by Dáil Éireann respectively. Standing Order 217 requires Estimates to be considered in committee. It is a well-established practice that they are referred to the relevant sectoral committee. Once a hearing concludes, committees send a message to Dáil Éireann, which generally approves Estimates without debate. Committees cannot amend Estimates and have no formal role in approving them. However, Standing Order 223 provides that committees may make a report to the Dáil in respect of their consideration of Estimates. The Revised Estimates Volumes, REV, for public services provide considerably more detail at subhead level, as well as performance metrics. Revised Estimates are the revised final proposed spending for the next year and form the basis for parliamentary scrutiny of allocated expenditure.

I will now allow the Minister five minutes to make his opening statement and then we will proceed to a question and answer session.