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

I remind people to turn off their mobile telephones if they have not already done so. It is a great pleasure and privilege for me, as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, to welcome to the meeting members of the Comhairle na nÓg national executive, namely, Jamie Wiggins, who is from County Donegal, Mairead Coady, who is from County Kilkenny, Éamonn Ó Briain, who is from Limerick city, and Gerard Maguire, who, like Deputy Fitzpatrick, is from County Louth.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of the witnesses to the position on privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it 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 criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling and parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person, persons or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I ask our guests to relax and to enjoy participating in the meeting. I remind them that they will be appearing on television and that the nation and the world will be watching and listening to them. Our guests are most welcome. We are delighted to have them here. I compliment them on taking the time to come before us and I commend them on the work they are doing. I call on Jamie to lead off the discussion.