Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Kehoe.

Members have the option of being physically present in the committee room or they may join proceedings via Microsoft Teams from their Leinster House offices. Members may not participate in the meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts. It is important to note that in order to participate in this, members must be physically present in the committee room. If joining on Microsoft Teams, I ask that Members mute their microphones when not contributing and use the raise hand function to indicate. Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect ourselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Members are reminded 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, either 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 to the committee by the Dáil on 9 November. I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his officials. The Minister is accompanied by Mr. Gordon Conroy, chief financial officer; Ms Rebecca Chapman, finance officer; Mr. Paul McNally, assistant principal and Mr. Will Farrell. I call on the Minister to make his opening statement.