Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Joanna Byrne. The meeting has been convened to consider the Further Revised Estimates for Public Services 2025: Vote 33 – Culture, Communications and Sport, which were referred to the committee by Dáil Éireann. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Patrick O’Donovan, and his officials to the committee. As the Minister is present, it is not expected that officials will speak in public session. I advise that the opening statements and any other documents submitted to the committee may be published on the committee’s website after the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The format of the meeting is such that I will invite an opening statement from the Minister, which will then be followed by questions from members on the basis of the speaking rota that was circulated. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before we proceed to opening statements, I remind 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, to make his opening statement.