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

I welcome Ms Naomi Feely, senior police adviser at Age Action Ireland, and Ms Caroline Fahey, senior policy development officer at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to discuss their respective pre-budget submissions. I propose to ask Ms Feely to speak first, followed by Ms Fahey. Members can then address questions to the relevant witnesses or both, as appropriate.

Before commencing, I draw the witnesses' attention 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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 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's 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Once again, please turn mobile phones off or onto flight mode. I invite Ms Feely to make her opening statement.