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

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Mr. Fergus Finlay, chief executive officer, and Ms Freda McKittrick, assistant director, guardian ad litemservice, from Barnardos. I also welcome Ms Tanya Ward, chief executive officer, and Ms Edel Quinn, senior legal and policy officer, from the Children's Rights Alliance. I thank them for appearing before the committee.

In accordance with procedure, I am required to draw their 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 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.

Any submission or opening statement made to the committee by witnesses will be published on the committee website after this meeting. I understand the witnesses intend to make a short presentation. This will be followed by questions from the members of the committee on the heads of the Bill. I invite Mr. Finlay to make his opening statement. Following that, we will hear an opening statement from Ms Ward.