Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I thank the witnesses for their attendance. I give a special welcome to the students from UCD in the Public Gallery, who, I understand, are doing a master's degree in rural development and sustainable agriculture. I hope the meeting is of benefit to them and that we have a considerable engagement this morning.

Before we begin, witnesses and 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 could be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a speaker's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, that speaker will be asked to directed to discontinue his or her remarks. It is imperative to comply with any such direction of the Chair.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask all members participating via Microsoft Teams and wishing to contribute to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex. I ask all members, whether in the room or attending remotely, to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off or in silent mode.

This meeting is to review Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 and discuss challenges and opportunities for its successor strategy. The strategy was launched as a blueprint for rural development when it was published in March 2021. Now is the opportune time to review the strategy, in tandem with the ongoing consultation, to forge a successor strategy for the 2026 to 2030 period. We look forward to reflecting on the strategy and identifying both the challenges and opportunities for the future of rural development.

I welcome the following officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht: Mr. Fintan O'Brien, assistant secretary; Mr. Gareth Makim, principal officer; and Ms Michelle McKiernan, assistant principal officer. I thank them for being with us. I invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening remarks.