Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This morning we will hear from representatives from the Oberstown children's detention campus with regard to the HIQA inspection report of August 2017. I welcome the director of the facility, Mr. Pat Bergin, and the chairperson of the board of management, Professor Ursula Kilkelly. I thank them for attending and for waiting out both our private session and the fire alarm. Before we commence and 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, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind members, and indeed witnesses, to please switch off their mobile phones or else switch them to flight mode. Phones interfere with our sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters, and the media, to follow our meeting. I further advise the witnesses that the submissions or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. I understand that the witnesses will make a short presentation here today, which will then be followed by questions from committee members.

I now call Mr. Bergin to make his opening statement.