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

I welcome to our meeting officials from the advisory group on tax and social welfare and the Department of Social Protection. I also welcome Ita Mangan, author of the recent report on child and family income support.

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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statements the witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the same parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise nor make changes against a person outside the Houses, etc.

I invite Ms Mangan to make her opening remarks and she may wish to introduce the other members of the delegation.