Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senators Murphy and Gavan and Deputy Paul Donnelly.

Members participating remotely are required to do so from within the Leinster House precinct only.

I welcome the witnesses. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action in respect of anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee will now consider the impact of means testing on the social welfare system with the academic community from our universities. The intersection of academia and policy is a crucial point where the ethical responsibilities of both the academic community and us as legislators meet. We both aim to solve problems and improve the world, albeit through different methods. The academic community has a duty to share its work and findings with the public and with us as decision-makers. Conversely, we as legislators must acknowledge our responsibility to utilise robust academic research to offer evidence-based solutions to societal issues. This committee is committed to hearing from the academic community and in our most recently published report we recommended that Oireachtas committees should invite witnesses with direct experience in order to practically apply academic research. This helps to address real-world challenges and promotes evidence-based policymaking while fostering collaboration with the academic community.

That is why the committee has focused its third meeting in this series on the theme of means testing in the social welfare system on academic input. The committee is interested in the consequences of means testing and its future application across schemes. The committee hopes today's meeting will assist us with the context and background for our report and provide us with clear recommendations for the improvement of the social welfare system. The committee is aware the Department of Social Protection is undertaking a review of the means testing system at the moment and looks forward to seeing the results of this review and collaborating with the Department on the system to ensure it is equitable for all.

I welcome the witnesses: from University College Cork, Dr. Fiona Dukelow and Dr. Tom Boland; from Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Joe Whelan; and from South East Technological University, Dr. Ray Griffin. They are all very welcome.