The meeting is in public session. Before the committee begins its business, I want, on my own behalf and that of the committee, to wish the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance every success in his position of leader-elect and Taoiseach-elect. It is a great honour for the Minister and his family and we wish him health and time in the position, and good fortune for the future.
On 21 February 2008 the Dáil ordered that the following Revised Estimates for Public Services be referred to this committee for consideration: the finance group of Votes 1-18. Yesterday the Dáil referred a further Revised Estimate in regard to Vote 6, Office of the Minister for Finance. The brief which members have already received takes account of this further referral and will be considered today.
A draft timetable for the meeting has been circulated. It allows for opening statements by the Minister and the Opposition spokespersons to be followed by an open discussion on the Votes. Is this timetable agreed? Agreed.
I wish to thank the Minister——