Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)

The purpose of the meeting today is to discuss the priorities and provisions contained within the review of the national development plan 2026-35. I am pleased to welcome the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Deputy Jack Chambers. The Minister is joined by his officials Kevin Meaney, principal officer in the infrastructure division, and Jenny Connors, principal officer in the expenditure policy division. For the benefit of newer members of the Oireachtas, the officials are not witnesses before the committee and would not speak in the normal course of events. They are here to support the Minister. If somebody wants to direct a question to the officials, the Minister will answer on their behalf because the officials are not witnesses.

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 that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to 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 members they will be afforded a six-minute slot for questions and answers, and a second slot will come around if people want to have a second opportunity. We have two hours. We have a hard end to this meeting at 6 p.m. because the Minister will be attending another committee meeting immediately thereafter.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.