Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's engagement is to meet the Ombudsman, Mr. Peter Tyndall, to discuss his recent report, entitled Opportunity Lost, an investigation by the Ombudsman into the administration of the Magdalen restorative justice scheme. We will then be joined by officials of the Department of Justice and Equality to discuss their response to the report. I welcome Mr. Tyndall and his colleagues, Ms Jacqueline McCrum, director general, and Mr. Tom Morgan, principal officer. I understand they are joined in the Gallery by Ms Emer Doyle and Madeleine Delaney. They are very welcome, along with everybody else.

Before beginning, members should be aware that under the Salient Rulings of the Chair, members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as make him or her identifiable. I am obliged to read the privilege reminder for our guests. 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. I invite Mr. Tyndall to make his opening statement.