Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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It is a pleasure to be here. I can come back if people want to spend a bit more time on policy issues because I know that we are tight for time today and that it is really important to get these Revised Estimates passed today. If members want me to come back in to speak about different elements of policy or policy development, I would be more than happy to come back in respect of either brief.

From a process point of view, we have already approved the Estimates in respect of foreign affairs. What we have today is a Revised Estimate which includes a very minor change. I suspect we will be able to cover it in seven or eight minutes at the end of this meeting. We are effectively getting approval for the full Revised Estimates in respect of defence. If it is okay with the committee, I will spend most of my time speaking on that Vote. I have quite a long introductory statement in that regard which I hope will answer many of the questions members may have. It is up to the Chairman, but I certainly believe we would be able to cover the Revised Estimate in respect of foreign affairs quite quickly. It simply reflects the transfer of responsibility for trade from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. Approximately €410,000 for staffing costs will transfer to the Department along with that responsibility. There is literally no other change to the Vote. I am, however, in the committee's hands and will do whatever it wants me to do.