We are now in public session. We will hear a proposal from Deputy Fergus O'Dowd before we invite the delegates.
Business of Joint Committee
In the interests of the transparency and accountability of the political process, to try to get a consensus on where money should be spent in education and to establish the prime areas that must be protected at all costs, I propose that we invite the Minister and the appropriate officials before the committee to go through budgetary headings. Obviously, I do not expect her to come in with the proposals for the Government's budget as such but we could go through the headings and sub-headings and discuss the programmes in an open, transparent and accountable way. We should do so as a matter of urgency, as soon as a room is available and as soon as the Minister and her officials consent to such a meeting.
Is that agreed?
I second the proposal.
If the Deputy wishes to second the proposal that is fine. That will be recorded and it represents the first official role of Deputy Clune in this committee.
Okay. Let me take it.
The joint committee went into private session at 10.15 a.m.until 10.20 a.m.