Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The joint committee will now consider the topic of volunteering and community development with representatives of Volunteer Ireland. I welcome to the meeting Ms Yvonne McKenna, chief executive officer, Ms Tricia Nolan, manager, South Dublin County Volunteer Centre, and Mr. John Cotterell, manager of Louth Volunteer Centre and Volunteer Ireland board member, on behalf of Volunteer Ireland. They are all welcome and members appreciate their attendance.
I wish to 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 committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence.

Witnesses 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 or 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 statement and any other documentation the witnesses provide to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting concludes. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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.

More than most, all here are aware of volunteerism. It permeates through all of our different communities. Particularly at times of economic difficulties, volunteerism is much more visible and appreciated, and there is a bigger demand for it. As a race, we have this sense of belonging. Everybody one knows is involved in an organisation, be it a GAA club, a political party, the Red Cross or the IFA. As an Irish person, one has this huge sense of belonging but also a huge contribution to give to so many voluntary organisations.

We are looking forward to the exchange this afternoon. No doubt it will be productive. I now call on Ms McKenna to make her opening statement.