Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Members are requested to ensure that for the duration of the meeting mobiles are completely powered off. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The meeting has been convened to consider the Supplementary Estimate for Vote 30 – Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which was referred by the Dáil on 25 November to the committee. I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, and his officials. The Minister is accompanied by Dr. Kevin Smyth, Ms Rebecca Chapman and Mr. Tom Corkery. They are all welcome to the meeting.

Members have been circulated in advance with briefing material from the Department on the Supplementary Estimate. I call the Minister to make his opening statement.