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

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

The Dáil referred the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2019 to the select committee on 19 September and the committee will today consider the legislation. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they may interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. They can also adversely affect television coverage and web-streaming.

On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, and her officials.

At present guardian ad litemarrangements for children who are subject of public law childcare proceedings are provided for under section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991. The primary purpose of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2019 is to give legislative effect to replacing section 26 with a new part of the 1991 Act to regulate the current ad hocsystem of guardian ad litemappointments for the benefit of children and young people.

The intention is for the select committee to conclude its consideration of the Committee Stage of the Bill during this morning's meeting. The meeting room is available until 2 o'clock. I hope we will not need it for that long. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I refer members to a grouping of amendments for the purpose of debate. Unfortunately a number of amendments submitted by Deputies Funchion, Rabbitte and Sherlock have been ruled out of order and the Bills Office has advised them accordingly. Does the Minister wish to make an opening statement?