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

I thank members for their attendance. I acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of Mr. Orán Sweeney, Ms Ciara Cashen and Ms Lorraine Cronin from the Donegal County Childcare Committee and thank them for the work they are doing. I also note the presence of Mr. Pat Montague of Start Strong and thank him as well.

The next session will deal with the issues arising on foot of the broadcast of the "Breach of Trust" television programme, on which this joint committee held hearings initially. Moreover, the joint committee stated it would return to this matter following the interval that has elapsed between the programme's initial transmission and the present, which has allowed time to scrutinise the review of actions taken since the broadcast of that documentary on "Prime Time". I welcome back before the joint committee Ms Mary McLoughlin, Mr. Gerry McKiernan, Ms Fiona McDonnell and Mr. Mike Corcoran. I remind witnesses they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to this 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 these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing rule of the Chair or parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person or persons outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I again thank the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for her attendance today and invite her to make her opening statement on this matter.