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

I welcome members and viewers who may be watching proceedings on Oireachtas TV to the public session of the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. On behalf of the committee I welcome Ms Aisling Kelly, interim chairperson and non-executive director of Scouting Ireland; Dr. John Lawlor, chief executive officer of Scouting Ireland; Ms Lisa Barnes, non-executive director of Scouting Ireland; Mr. Adrian Tennant, non-executive director of Scouting Ireland; and Mr. Ian Elliot, independent safeguarding consultant.

I 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 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 ask witnesses to switch off their mobile telephones or put them on flight mode, as they interfere with the sound system, make it difficult for reporters to report our meeting and adversely affect our television coverage. I advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement they have provided to the committee will be published to the committee website after this meeting. After their presentation I imagine there will be a significant number of questions for witnesses.