Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The meeting has been convened to consider the Revised Estimate for Vote 31 - Transport, Tourism and Sport, which was referred to the select committee by the Dáil with an instruction that it report back to the Dáil once its consideration was completed. I welcome the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, and his officials. As members are aware, the areas of transport, tourism and sport face challenging times, with numerous issues arising from Brexit and capital and current infrastructural projects in all three sectors, as well as many other issues which we have discussed at the joint committee in the past 12 months. In responding to these challenges the financing and resourcing of the sectors in the year ahead are very important. The committee will explore the issues, with the emphasis on several key points.

The proposed format is that we deal with Vote 31 on a programme by programme basis. The Minister will make an opening statement. There are five programmes which we will consider separately by way of questions from members of the committee. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I remind members that mobile phones should be turned off completely for the duration of the meeting, as they cause interference with the recording and broadcasting equipment in committee rooms, even when left in silent mode.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. They were provided in advance with a briefing document on the five programmes by the Department and the committee secretariat. I call the Minister to make his opening statement.