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

I welcome the following witnesses: Ms Teresa Heeney, CEO, Early Childhood Ireland; Ms Amy McArdle, policy officer, ECI; Ms Valerie Gaynor, manager, Creative Kids; Ms Marian Quinn, chairperson, Association of Childhood Professionals; Ms Claire Woods and Mr. Eugene Waters, national representative group of city and county child care committees. We have received apologies from Mr. Mick Kenny, chairperson of the Kilkenny branch of the Association of Childhood Professionals. I think he is having some difficulty getting here. I thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee to help with our deliberations on the affordable child care scheme.

Before we commence, I am required to 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 ask witnesses to please turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode because they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting.

I also advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. I understand that the witnesses will make a short presentation which will be followed by questions from members of the committee.

I invite Ms Heeney to make her opening statement, to be followed by opening statements from Ms Quinn and Ms Woods.