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

I welcome Ms Catherine Bond, CEO and Ms Breda O'Donovan, director of finance, HR and communications, Irish Foster Care Association and Ms Karla Charles, policy manager, and Ms Fidelma Guinan, advocacy officer, EPIC. I thank them for appearing before the committee today. I also welcome their colleagues in the Public Gallery.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I draw the attention of the witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the Chair 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in a such a way as to him, her or it identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to switch of their mobile phones or to put them on flight mode as they cause interference with the broadcasting equipment and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. I wish to advise the witnesses that their opening statements and submissions to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. By way of agenda, the committee will hear short opening statements from the witnesses following which there will be a questions and answers session.

I now invite Ms Bond to make her opening statement.