Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to begin a series of engagements examining the direct provision system and the international protection application process. We are joined by Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon, former judge of the High Court, who also chaired the working group on the protection process and direct provision. He is very welcome. From the Immigrant Council of Ireland we are joined by Mr. Brian Killoran, its chief executive officer, and Ms Mary Henderson, solicitor. They are both very welcome this morning. From the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, Ireland we are joined by Mr. Enda O'Neill, head of office in Ireland; Ms Maria Hennessy, protection officer; and Ms Caroline Stephens, protection assistant. They are also very welcome. I also welcome our visitors in the Gallery from Jesuit Refugee Services Ireland.

As people may expect in a week such as this we have had some apologies from colleagues so we are not at full strength this morning. Something happening on Friday might explain this but so be it. That is part of life. I intend to invite witnesses to make opening statements in the order in which I introduced them if that is okay. Before commencing I must draw the attention of the witnesses to privilege. Please note you are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence you are to give to the committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter but continue to do so, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any person or persons, or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Before proceeding I ask everybody to ensure their mobile phones are on silent mode. I invite Mr. Justice McMahon to make his opening statement.