John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and witnesses to turn off mobile telephones or switch them to flight mode. They interfere with the recording and the broadcast of the meeting.

I 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. The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I welcome, from the Department, Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Ms Sarah Neary, Mr. Philip Nugent and Mr. Colin Ryan, and, from the County and City Management Association, Mr. Eugene Cummins, Mr. Billy Coman, Mr. Owen Keegan, Ms Catherine Keenan, Ms Margaret Geraghty and Mr. Dick Brady. Their full submissions have been received and circulated to members.

I remind colleagues that this is the final session of public hearings in regard to our deliberations. Some witnesses have come before the committee on previous occasions. The context in which they are here today is their role in the provision of front-line services that are coming directly through their organisations. Issues which have arisen in previous weeks have caused members to have follow-up questions.

I invite Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa to summarise the Department's submission and Mr. Cummins to do the same on behalf of his association. We will take questions from colleagues at that stage.