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

I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, and her officials, Dr. Fergal Lynch, Secretary General of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Ms Michelle Shannon, director of the Irish Youth Justice Service, IYJS and Mr. Tony O'Donovan, child welfare adviser, IYJS, to the meeting. I thank them for their attendance this morning and for bearing with us while we dealt with committee business.

Before we commence and in accordance with procedure I am required to draw 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 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 the evidence they provide. 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 they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or any official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I also remind members to switch off their mobile phones or put them into flight mode. Mobile phones interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters who report this meeting. Web streaming and television will be adversely affected if they are left on.

I wish to advise that any submissions or opening statements made to the committee will be published on the committee website. I understand that the Minister will make a short presentation, followed by questions from members of the committee.