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

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to conduct further scrutiny of COM (2017) 252 on work-life balance for working parents and carers. I welcome Mr. Deaglán Ó Briain and Ms Jennifer O'Farrell from the Department of Justice and Equality. On behalf of the committee, I thank them both for their attendance today to discuss this proposal. The format of the meeting is that the witnesses will be invited to make a brief opening statement, and this will be followed by a question and answer session.

I am obliged to also give a reminder on privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so do, 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, 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.

I invite Mr. Ó Briain to make his opening statement.