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

I remind members and visitors that, as our microphones are sensitive, they should place their mobile telephones on aeroplane mode instead of silent mode.

I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Francis Fitzgerald, Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General, Ms Mary McLoughlin, principal officer, Mr. Dan Kelleher, principal officer, Ms Elizabeth Canavan, assistant secretary, Ms Marie Kennedy, Ms Moira O'Mara, director, and Mr. Peter Hanrahan, assistant principal officer, at the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Yesterday, the committee heard from the Ombudsman for Children, Ms Emily Logan, and had a good discussion with her on children in care. She also referred to the appointment of a manager at the Oberstown detention centre in north County Dublin, which we said we would raise this morning.

I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.