David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to have an engagement with representatives of Mixed Race Irish on the experience of its members in State institutions. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Carole Brennan, Ms Evon Brennan and Ms Rosemary Adaser. The format of the meeting is that I will invite our guests to make an opening statement, which will be followed by a questions and answers session with members. Before proceeding, I apologise for any inconvenience caused to our witnesses by the unforeseen delay in commencing the meeting. A number of issues arose in the Dáil, which gave rise to unprecedented scenes in the Chamber, certainly in my time in the House.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this 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. Witnesses 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 or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Carole Brennan to make her opening statement.