Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and those in the gallery that mobile phones should be off or on airplane mode as they interfere with broadcasting of proceedings and cause distress to members of staff. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss issues concerning child care in Ireland and the recent report on support for child care for working families and its implications for employment. Our meeting will take place over two sessions, with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, joining us for the second session. I welcome Ms Avril McMonagle from Donegal County Childcare Committee Limited, Mr. Alan Gray of Indecon, and Ms Ciairín de Buis and Mr. Toby Wolfe from Start Strong.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence you are to give this committee. If you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise nor make charges against any person(s) or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I invite Ms McMonagle to make her opening remarks.