Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have been advised that we have apologies from Senator Frances Black. There are two items on the agenda relating to the recognition of Traveller ethnicity. Our first session is a discussion with representatives of the Irish Traveller Movement, ITM, on this important issue. The joint committee has identified this as one its priority issues in its 2016 work programme. We are appreciative of, and would like to recognise, the work of the previous justice committee in addressing the issue. We are not endeavouring to replicate or replace it; we are hoping to build on it.

I welcome Ms Jacinta Brack, public relations and public co-ordinator of ITM, Ms Maria Joyce, co-ordinator of the National Traveller Women's Forum, and Mr. Bernard Joyce, director of ITM. The format of the meeting is they will all be invited to address the committee and make a brief opening statement, which will be followed by an opportunity for questions and answers. We have allocated an hour because this session will be followed by an address on the same topic by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission representatives.

Witnesses should note that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, 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. I invite Ms Joyce to make her opening statement.