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 Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. The purpose of the meeting today is to discuss the recruitment and retention of social workers with representatives of third level institutions. On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome from IT Sligo, Dr. Breda McTaggart, the head of the department of social science; and Ms Brenda Feeney, course director. I welcome also from the Irish Universities Association, Dr. Carmel Halton, senior lecturer of social work at the school of applied social studies, UCC; Professor Michelle Norris, head of the school of social policy, social work and social justice, UCD; and Professor Robbie Gilligan, professor of social work at the school of social work and social policy, Trinity College Dublin. I thank you all for attending this morning.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I am required to draw your 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 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 remind witnesses to switch off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode, as they tend to interfere with our recording systems and broadcasting facilities. I advise witnesses that any submission they have made or opening statement they may make to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. After their presentations, there will be questions from the members.

I call on Dr. McTaggart to make her opening statement.