Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, the broadcasting and recording service has requested of members and visitors in the Public Gallery that for the duration of the meeting, they ensure their mobile telephones are turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on their device. It is not sufficient to put telephones on silent mode as they will maintain a level of interference with the broadcasting system. Next on the agenda is No. 6, concerning child and family homelessness. I welcome Mr. Mike Allen and Ms Niamh Lambe from Focus Ireland, Ms Saoirse Brady and Ms Edel Quinn from the Children's Rights Alliance, Dr. Niall Muldoon and Dr. Karen McAuley from the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and Ms Rebecca Keatinge and Mr. Paul Dornan from the Mercy Law Centre.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they 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 invite Mr. Allen to make his opening statement.