Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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One apology has been received from Deputy Ardagh. We are joined by the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is a permanent witness to the committee. Everyone is very welcome. I remind everyone to turn off their mobile phones, including mine, which is not off. I have a few housekeeping matters. I remind members of the constitutional requirements that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. Before we proceed with the rest of the meeting, members are reminded of the long-standing practice and ruling of the Cathaoirleach to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in any such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The public business before us this morning is as follows: minutes of the previous meeting; accounts and financial statements; correspondence; election of Leas-Chathaoirleach; and any other business. We will begin with the minutes of the meeting of 8 May 2025. Are there any matters arising under that? Are the minutes approved? Are we happy with the accuracy? They are agreed.

A total of 106 sets of accounts and financial statements have been laid between 4 November 2024 and 9 May 2025. I will ask the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, to address them before opening the floor to members.