Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. The next matter for discussion is pre-budget audits. We have invited two groups. From Social Justice Ireland I welcome Fr. Seán Healy, Sr. Brigid Reynolds and Ms Michelle Murphy. From TASC we have Mr. Nat O'Connor, Ms Aoife Ní Lochlainn and Mr. Tom McDonnell. We also have written submissions from Barnardos and Inclusion Ireland to further inform the debate. We will write to them in due course.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they will be entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statements of witnesses will be published on the website of the committee after the meeting. I invite each group to make a submission of approximately five minutes, so as to give members an opportunity to ask questions. They will be able to contribute further at that stage. The meeting is due to conclude at approximately 3.30 p.m.

I invite the representatives of Social Justice Ireland to make their presentation.