Joan Freeman (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome members and viewers who may be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas TV to the public session of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. The purpose of today's meeting is to update the committee on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, LGBTI, and national youth strategy. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, who is accompanied by Ms Olive McGovern, principal officer at the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and Ms Linda O'Sullivan, assistant principal officer at the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw the attention of members and 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 this committee. 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. Witnesses 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 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 Houses or any official 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 on to flight mode as they may interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. They also adversely affect television coverage and web streaming.

I advise the Minister that any submission or opening statement she makes to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. After her presentation there will be questions from the members of the committee. I call the Minister to make her opening statement.