Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Members are required to participate in the meeting remotely from within the Leinster House precincts only. I remind all those in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the Houses, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The purpose of the meeting is to consider the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024. I welcome the Aire, the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Heather Humphreys, and her officials. I will bring some matters to the attention of members. Any member acting in substitution for a member of the committee should formally notify the clerk if she or he has not already done so. Divisions will be taken as they arise. Members must attend in person in the committee meeting room for divisions, although they may attend the meeting generally remotely. Members attending this meeting in accordance with Standing Order 106(3) should be aware, pursuant to that Standing Order, that they may move amendments but cannot participate in voting on those amendments.

I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.