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

I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, and her officials, Ms Eimear Fisher, assistant secretary, and Ms Lara Hynes, principal officer. I thank them for appearing before the committee.I ask members and the Minister to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the recording equipment and make coverage of the meeting difficult.

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 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or anr 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.

Any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting. I understand the Minister will make a short presentation which will be followed by questions from members. I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.