Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I apologise to everyone who is in front of the committee today. Unfortunately, we had a motion, and a vote on that motion, that has delayed us significantly. I apologise that the witnesses have been kept waiting.

I welcome Dr. Nat O'Connor and Dr. Tom McDonnell from TASC and Dr. Seán Healy, Sr. Brigid Reynolds and Ms Michelle Murphy from Social Justice Ireland. Members have been circulated with the submissions received and a summary paper in advance of the meeting. The format of the meeting will be that both groups will make brief introductory comments not exceeding three minutes, and we will then proceed directly to a question and answer session. The clerk to the committee is acting as timekeeper and will notify me when the three minutes have elapsed. I reiterate that we must keep it very tight because of what has happened.

I remind everyone that all mobile phones must be switched off. I advise the witnesses 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 joint committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person 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 Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the representatives of TASC to make their opening presentation. After they have done so, I shall call Social Justice Ireland.