John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The purpose of this meeting is to consider the Revised Estimate for Vote 32 - Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for the year ending 31 December 2014. When the select committee has considered the Estimate that will be reported to the Dáil. The select committee does not formally approve the Estimates and, therefore, it cannot divide on the issue or cast a vote.

I welcome the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, Minister of State with responsibility for research and innovation, Deputy Sean Sherlock, and Minister of State with responsibility for small business, Deputy John Perry. I welcome also the officials. I am sure we will hear from them at some stage.

As members will have seen, the 2014 Revised Estimate was presented to the Dáil in the new programme-based format. This means that the Estimate, as presented, contains the following information for each programme - how the money allocated to that programme is proposed to be spent and the previous year's outturn in each case; the numbers of staff assigned to work connected with the programme and how this compares with the previous year; performance related information such as the departmental outputs, again with corresponding information for previous year; and what are termed performance and impact indicators with previous years information also. Administrative expenditure for the Vote as a whole is summarised in more detail than previously.

The Revised Estimate gives us an opportunity to review whether targets set out and the distribution of moneys across the Vote are appropriate in all the circumstances and demonstrate best use of resources. It also gives us an opportunity to explore issues facing the Minister in terms of the 2014 allocation for his Department.

A timetable for today's meeting has been circulated in advance and agreed. It allows for a brief opening statement by the Minister and a discussion on the 2014 Revised Estimate with questions on each programme listed in the Estimate. I invite the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, to make a brief opening statement.