Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Members and viewers, who may be watching proceedings on Oireachtas TV, to the public session. The purpose of today's meeting is to meet representatives of the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, ISPCC, Mental Health Reform, Empowering People in Care, EPIC, the National Youth Council of Ireland, and SpunOut to continue our consideration of the topic of youth mental health. This meeting is timely given that this is mental health awareness week.

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome from the National Office for Suicide Prevention Mr. John Meehan, head, who is accompanied by Professor Philip Dodd; from the ISPCC, Mr. John Church, chief executive officer, and Ms Caroline O'Sullivan, director of services; from Mental Health Reform Ms Kate Mitchell; from EPIC Mr. Terry Dignan, chief executive officer, and Ms Karla Charles, policy manager; from the National Youth Council of Ireland Ms Rachael Treanor; and from SpunOut Mr. Ian Power, chief executive officer, and Ms Kiki Martire, head of training and quality.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I am required to draw the attention of our guests 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 the committee. They are directed that only evidence connected to 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 can interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Mobile phones also adversely affect television coverage and web streaming.

I advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement they have made to the joint committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. Following our guests' presentations there will be an exchange and Members will pose questions. Given the number of representatives attending today, opening statements will be limited to five minutes each. I will indicate when the time has expired. Co-operation in this regard would be very much appreciated.

I call Mr. John Meehan to make his opening statement.