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

I welcome Mr. Noel Kelly, programme manager, Preparing for Life, Ms Eleanor McClorey, chief executive, youngballymun, Ms Hazel O'Byrne, projects officer, youngballymun, Ms Marian Quinn, chief executive officer, Childhood Development Initiative, and Mr. Mark Candon.

I thank the committee's vice-chairperson, Deputy Ciara Conway, who has agreed to act as a rapporteur on the issue of childhood poverty. This is our second meeting in a series on tackling childhood poverty.

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 in respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they will be 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor 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 parliamentary practice, or long-standing ruling of the Chair, to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses that mobile telephones should be completely switched off for the duration of the proceedings as they interfere with the broadcast and also interference to our staff which is unfair. As this is also a workplace for members of staff, I would appreciate if all mobile telephones could be switched off rather than put on silent mode.

I invite Ms Eleanor McClorey, youngballymun, to make her opening statement.