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

I thank everybody for their patience and remind them to switch off their mobile phones. The purpose of this session is to discuss child care in Ireland and the child care committee report. I remind members that we must suspend for a quarter of an hour at the end of the session for technical broadcasting reasons. I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. I also welcome Ms Mary McLoughlin from the Department.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.