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

I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Francis Fitzgerald, and Ms Elizabeth Canavan, assistant secretary, Ms Moira O'Mara, director, and Mr. Peter Hanrahan, assistant principal officer, at the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Our meeting comes at an opportune time as we are in the middle of the campaign for the children's referendum - an important plebiscite. I thank all members of the committee for their interaction in the preparation of the heads of the Children First Bill and I encourage all of us as committee members to seek a "Yes" vote and ensure all eligible citizens cast their vote. I pay tribute to Deputies Ó Caoláin, Troy, McConalogue and Healy and Senator van Turnhout from the non-Government parties for the great work they have done and co-operation they have shown in this committee on this referendum. It is a tribute to all members of the committee that we are all seeking a "Yes" vote in the referendum. This referendum is not just about changing the Constitution, it is an opportunity to offer children a second chance at family life. It puts them at the centre of all we do so this is a vital referendum.

The Minister's presence comes after the publication of an appalling report on St. Patrick's Institution, which paints a bad picture of inaction. It is a damning indictment and it is important to note the Minister and the Minister for Justice and Equality have moved on this. As a committee, we have been involved in the appointment of Mr. Joe Horan as the chairman of the board of management of Oberstown and we look forward to hearing about that in the Minister's remarks. We should perhaps invite Mr. Horan and Mr. Michael Donnellan of the Irish Prison Service to appear before us because the report on St. Patrick's is appalling.

I remind witnesses and members of the position on privilege and call on the Minister to make her opening remarks.