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

I again welcome members, and viewers who may be watching proceedings on Oireachtas TV, to the public session of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs.

Our second session is with the Children's Rights Alliance on its report card for 2019. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Tanya Ward, chief executive, and Ms Edel Quinn, legal research and public policy manager, and thank them for coming.

Before we commence, I am required to draw their 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 members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode, as they tend to interfere with the sound system which makes it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting.

I also wish to advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. After their presentation, there will be questions from the members of the committee. I now call on Ms Ward and Ms Quinn to make their opening statements.