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

The business of this part of our meeting is a discussion with the Simon Communities of Ireland on penal reform. The joint committee has identified penal policy and reform as a priority issue in its 2017 work programme. I welcome Ms Niamh Randall, Mr. Aaron O'Connell, Ms Tracey Reddy and Ms Claire McSweeney of the Simon Communities of Ireland. They are joined in the Visitors Gallery by Ms Helen McCormack. On behalf of the committee I thank them for their attendance today to discuss this important issue. I also thank Senator Frances Black, who made the proposition to include this group in the course of our address of penal reform. Today's is the last public engagement on this issue and we will be publishing a report and recording the witnesses' contributions and recommendations therein. The format of the meeting is such the witnesses will be invited to make a brief opening statement, which will be followed by a question and answer session with the members of the committee. We have apologies from Deputy Alan Farrell of Fine Gael and Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee of Fianna Fáil.

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 invite Ms Niamh Randall to make her opening statement.