Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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We have received apologies from Deputy Shay Brennan and Senator Alice-Mary Higgins. I advise members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore a member who intends to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members participating via Microsoft Teams, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. 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 they comply with any such direction.

Today, the joint committee is engaging with An Taoiseach. In this context, I welcome the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and his officials. The committee has decided to hold this engagement following consideration of the Revised Estimates to discuss more broadly areas under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. Members have indicated their interest in matters including the impact on Ireland of trade negotiations between the EU and the United States, the invasion of Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza, budgetary policy and the shared operation of the shared island and child poverty units in the Department of the Taoiseach.

I invite the Taoiseach to make his opening statement.