Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for the late start. We had expected to meet with the witnesses this morning. I am sorry that we had to defer because of other business and, subsequently, voting in the Dáil went on for over two hours, which delayed us further. We appreciate the witnesses taking the time and having the patience to wait with us.

From Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I welcome Mr. Fred McBride, chief executive officer and his colleague, Ms Helena Hanna, the acting director of finance, and Mr. Gerard Hughes from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The Comptroller and Auditor General is accompanied by Mr. John Crean.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones should be switched off. That means they should be placed in on aeroplane mode, not silent, as failure to do so will cause interference with the recording of proceedings.

I advise witnesses 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 they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of that 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.

I invite the Comptroller and Auditor General to make an opening statement.