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

We are now in public session. The topic for discussion is social welfare appeals. When we were setting our schedule of meetings for this year, members looked for this meeting to examine the system for appealing social protection decisions, in particular, the length of time involved. Members have been provided with some documents from the Free Legal Advice Centres which is anxious for us to note its work on the appeals situation. I am pleased to welcome officials from the Department of Social Protection to discuss the matter with us. I welcome Ms Geraldine Gleeson, chief appeals officer, Mr. Ken Kelly, appeals officer, and Mr. Brendan O'Leary, appeals officer.

I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now invite Ms Gleeson to make her opening remarks.