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

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the reports by the Ombudsman for Children on the meta-analysis of repetitive root cause issues regarding the provision of services for children in care; the investigation into HSE social work service provision in North Lee; and the investigation into the implementation of Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children. I welcome those in attendance and those watching live on the UPC channel and online. I welcome the witnesses from the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon, director of investigations, and Ms Deirdre O'Shea, investigator, and Ms Nikki Gallagher, who is in the Visitors Gallery. I thank them for being here.

I remind people to switch off their mobile telephones as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment and it is unfair to staff. Apologies have been received from Deputies Catherine Byrne, Robert Troy, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Peter Fitzpatrick. The Ombudsman for Children cannot be here today and we understand this, but it is important that the committee hears from her. Perhaps as part of our work programme this can be facilitated prior to the summer recess. It has been a considerable time since the Ombudsman for Children has come before the committee and under the Act it is important that we have dialogue and communication, which we do, and also to hear from the Ombudsman for Children herself. I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee; it is good to have them here.