Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important as they cause serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff. The purpose of this morning's meeting is to formally welcome Dr. Niall Muldoon, who is the new Ombudsman for Children, and enable him to meet the Joint Committee on Health and Children. I welcome Dr. Muldoon's colleagues, Ms Deirdre O'Shea, who is the acting director of investigations in the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, and Mr. Páraic Walsh, who is an investigator in the office.

The committee takes its remit with regard to children very seriously. Over the past year, the committee has met representatives of Comhairle na nÓg at its national conference and visited the site of the proposed new national children's hospital. It is currently holding hearings on the issue of child care. I invite Mr. Muldoon to give his presentation, after which I will open the floor to members.