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

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Zappone, and her officials from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Ms Bernie McNally, assistant secretary; Mr. Toby Wolfe, ACS legislative and policy and communications team lead; and Ms Marion Martin, ACS project management and business and systems lead. From Pobal, I welcome Mr. Jerry Murphy, director of programmes, and Mr. David Burke, early years head. I thank everyone for taking the time to appear before our committee.

As usual, I will read a quick note re privilege. In accordance with procedures, I am required to draw witnesses' attention to the fact that, under section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode, as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. I advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statement that they make to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. I understand that the witnesses will make short presentations, which will be followed by questions from members. The Minister is under time pressure due to an engagement at 10.30 a.m., so she will need to leave.