Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I have not been notified of any apologies. I remind members to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode. This meeting is convened to consider Revised Estimates for Vote 20 - Garda Síochána; Vote 21 - Prisons; Vote 22 - Courts Service; Vote 44 - Data Protection Commission; and a second Further Revised Estimate for Vote 24 - Justice. These Estimates were referred for consideration.

I thank the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and his officials for attending and assisting our consideration of the Estimates. I also thank them for the provision of information related to the Estimates. I propose the Minister makes some brief opening remarks after which I will invite members to contribute. It is proposed we consider each Vote in order on a subhead by subhead basis. We will then invite the Minister to make remarks on different sections, if he so wishes.

I remind all members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I thank the Minister for being here and invite him to begin.