I welcome the members who will participate in today's meeting. In line with the exceptional measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the exception of myself and the committee secretariat, all members of the committee are participating remotely. If they are participating in the meeting remotely, all members will be fully aware that they are required to participate within the Leinster House complex only. Apologies have been received from Deputies O'Reilly and Bruton.
Today's meeting is to discuss the Supplementary Estimate. The Dáil recently ordered the further Revised Estimate - Vote 32, Enterprise, Trade and Employment to be referred to this committee for its consideration. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Damien English.
Before we start I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses with regard to references members might make to other persons or entities. Members are protected by absolute privilege in respect of presentations they make to this committee. This means that members have an absolute defence against defamation action from anything they may say at this meeting. Members are expected, however, not to abuse the privilege and it is my duty as the Chairman to ensure that this privilege is not abused. If members' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue the remarks. It is imperative that members comply with any such direction.
I now invite the Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, to make his opening comments on the Supplementary Estimate. Documentation for the meeting, including the Minister of State's opening statement are being circulated to members on MS Teams.