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

I welcome the members and any viewers who may be watching the proceedings on Oireachtas TV to this public session. The purpose of today's meeting is to have a discussion first with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, on governance and child safeguarding policies in Scouting Ireland. Our second session will be a discussion with representatives of Scouting Ireland on the same topic. I would like to advise the members of the committee that while there have been reports in the media, it is important to note that the committee cannot discuss individual cases and members should avoid naming names and individuals, whether those names are in the public domain or not. It is also important that we do not discuss anything which is likely to be the subject of court proceedings.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone. She is accompanied by her officials, Ms Clare McNamara, principal officer in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Ms Michelle Shannon, director and assistant Secretary General in the Department. 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to please turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode because they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the proceedings of the meeting. Television coverage and Internet streaming might also be affected adversely. I advise witnesses any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting. After the presentation, there will be questions from members. I now call on the Minister, Deputy Zappone, to give her opening statement.