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

Good morning and welcome everyone to this meeting of the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. This morning in session one we will hear from representatives of Facebook on the topic of cybersecurity for children and young adults and in session 2 we will hear from the Ombudsman for Children on the annual report for 2016.

In session one representatives from Facebook will make a presentation to the committee on the topic of cybersecurity for children and young adults. I thank the representatives for their attendance. I welcome Ms Niamh Sweeney, head of public policy with Facebook Ireland, Ms Siobhán Cummiskey, head of content policy, Ms Julie de Bailliencourt, head of safety for Europe, the Middle East and Africa within Facebook. I thank them for appearing before this committee this morning.

Before we commence, in accordance with the procedure I am required to draw the attention of witnesses 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 or her identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members 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 remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode. They interfere with the sound system, make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report this meeting and they also interfere with our broadcasting equipment.

I advise that any submissions or opening statements that the witnesses are making to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

I understand the witnesses wish to make a brief ten minute presentation followed by questions by members of the committee. I call Ms Sweeney to make her opening statement.