Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)

We have received apologies in advance of today's meeting from Deputy Jen Cummins.

You are all very welcome.

I ask anyone attending remotely to mute themselves when not contributing in order that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all those in attendance to ensure that their mobile phones are either on silent mode or switched off entirely.

Members attending today's meeting remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex.

Witnesses participating from within the precincts of Leinster House are protected by absolute privilege in respect of any presentation they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they may say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege, and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are 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 of the Houses either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The select committee is meeting this evening to consider the Supplementary Estimate Vote 26 with the Minister of State with special responsibility for special education and inclusion at the Department of Education and Youth, Deputy Michael Moynihan. I warmly welcome him and his officials to the meeting. I also thank the officials for the briefing document that was provided for the meeting.

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 select committee. Once hearings conclude, committees send a message to Dáil Éireann, which generally approves the Estimates without debate. Committees cannot amend Estimates and have no formal role in approving them. However, Standing Order 223 provides that the committees may make a report to the Dáil in respect of its consideration of Estimates.

I invite the Minister of State to make his opening statement. Following that, members will be able to ask questions. For members, we are not operating under the normal speaking roster, so it is lámha suas and it will be six minutes per member. We will go for a second round and a third or fourth round if required. I hope we will not get to a third or fourth round.