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

I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, and his officials led by the new Secretary General at the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Fergal Lynch, with whom we look forward to a positive working relationship. We formally congratulate him on his appointment.

This is our regular quarterly meeting with the Minister on issues concerning the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. In advance of the meeting members submitted written questions, to which the responses have been circulated. Disquiet was expressed by some members that responses were only received last night and that a copy of the Minister's speech was only circulated this morning. Perhaps we might work on the protocols in that regard. I thank the Minister and his officials for appearing before the committee. It is welcome that they appear before it regularly.

We received apologies from Deputy Regina Doherty who may arrive late, Senator Imelda Henry who has been unavoidably detained and Deputy Seamus Healy.

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. If, however, they are directed by it 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 or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. 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.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.