Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are dealing with our committee's report on the extension of the remit of the Ombudsman to include the direct provision system and are joined by officials from the Department of Social Protection. I remind all those present to be careful with their mobile phones because they interfere with the sound system and it drives our media outlets mad when they have to edit the material. I am pleased to welcome Ms Jackie Harrington, principal officer; Ms Mary Pracht, assistant principal officer; Mr. Carl O'Rourke, assistant principal officer; and Ms Aideen Mooney, assistant principal officer, all of whom are from the Department of Social Protection. They will address the committee on departmental issues highlighted in this committee's report on the direct provision system. I welcome them here today and thank them for forwarding the presentation which has been circulated to members.

I must draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they 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.

I now invite Ms Harrington to make her presentation.