Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from Deputies Aisling Dempsey and Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh. I ask anyone attending remotely to mute themselves when not contributing so that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind those in attendance to ensure that their mobile phones are on silent mode or switched off.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. As they are within the precincts of Leinster House, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, members are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that members comply with any such direction. Members are also 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 of the Houses, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The Select Committee on Education and Youth is meeting for the first time today to consider the Revised Estimates Volume, Vote 26, with the Minister for Education and Youth. The Estimates process is Dáil Éireann's method to allow the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to seek to withdraw funds from the Exchequer to meet most Government Departments’ spending obligations. Articles 17.1.1° and 28.4.4° of the Constitution provide for the presentation to and consideration of Estimates by Dáil Éireann respectively. Standing Order 217 requires Estimates to be considered in committee. It is a well established practice that they are referred to the relevant sectoral select committee. Once hearings conclude, committees send a message to Dáil Éireann, which generally approves Estimates without debate. Committees cannot amend Estimates and have no formal role in approving them. However, Standing Order 223 provides that committees may make a report to the Dáil in respect of their consideration of Estimates. The Revised Estimates Volume for public services, REV, provides considerably more detail at subhead level, as well as performance metrics. The Revised Estimates, or the revised final proposed spending for the end of the year, form the basis of parliamentary scrutiny of allocated expenditure.

I welcome the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Helen McEntee, to the committee. Some of her officials were here very late last night and they are all welcome back, as well as the other officials who have joined the Minister. I thank the Minister's colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan. We were here until a late hour last night, going through many issues, and it was a worthwhile meeting. I thank those who stayed late last night, including the secretariat and the technical team.

I will allow the Minister time to make her opening statement and, thereafter, we will take questions from members. For the benefit of members, because it is a select committee, the modus operandi of a rotational order is not happening today. I propose eight minutes of speaking time per member and perhaps they can come in for a second round of four minutes. It will be on a lámha suas basis after the Minister has concluded her speech.