Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will resume in public session. Today we will discuss the humanitarian assistance scheme in terms of household flooding.

I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the position on privilege. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee.

If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 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.

The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting. Members are likewise reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should 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.

At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery are asked to ensure that for the duration of the meeting their mobile telephones are turned off completely or switched to safe or flight mode, depending on their device.

Today we are looking at the issue of the assistance available to people who have suffered as a result of the recent flooding. There is a means-tested scheme providing emergency financial assistance to households who are unable to meet the costs of essential needs. It should be noted there is a separate emergency scheme to help small businesses administered by the Irish Red Cross. To brief the committee on the humanitarian assistance scheme I am pleased to welcome from the Department of Social Protection, Ms Helen Faughnan, Ms Jackie Harrington and Ms Susan Kelleher. I invite Ms Faughan to make a presentation on behalf of the Department. Perhaps it could be kept to around six minutes, if possible. We can take whatever is left as read to allow the maximum time for questions.