Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Senator Freeman, whom we all know well; Mr. Peter Hughes, general secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses Association, in respect of which I must declare an interest as I am a member of the Psychiatric Nurses Association so I know Mr. Hughes quite well; and Mr. Gareth Noble, a children's law specialist. Céad míle fáilte - they are very welcome. They are here to present to us the Seanad Public Consultation Committee's work on children's mental health. I thank them for appearing before the committee.

I must deal with some housekeeping. Before we commence, in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw the witnesses' attention 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person 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 such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode. Mobile phones interfere with the sound system, make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting and adversely affect television coverage and web streaming. I also advise the witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I understand the witnesses will make short presentations and I now invite them to do so. We commence with Senator Freeman.