Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 30 November 2016

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Support Services for Family Law Courts: One Family

9:00 am

Photo of Jim DalyJim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are moving on to the presentation to the committee from One Family on the issue of child contact centres and ancillary family support services for private family law courts. I welcome Ms Karen Kiernan, CEO, and Ms Geraldine Kelly of One Family. I thank them for appearing before the committee.

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.

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 advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they have provided to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Ms Kiernan will make a short presentation here today, which will be followed by questions from the members of the committee.

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