Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum the meeting will commence in public session. Apologies have been received from Deputies Sherlock and O'Dowd and Senators Ó Donnghaile, Black and Ned O'Sullivan.

Today we are delighted to hear from Training for Women Network, TWN. As members are aware, the impact of the Good Friday Agreement on women in the North of Ireland and the challenges they face is a key item of our work programme.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones. Members are requested that for the duration of the meeting mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on the device. It is not sufficient for members to put their phones on silent mode as this will maintain the level of interference with the broadcasting system.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or body outside the Houses of the Oireachtas either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by the Chair 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 welcome Ms Norma Shearer, CEO of the Training for Women Network, Ms Elizabeth Thompson, manager, Ms Sharlene Anderson, Ms Myrtle Neill, and Ms Joanne Shortall. On behalf of the committee I congratulate Ms Shearer on receiving a highly commended award in July in the women of influence category in the Northern Ireland women's awards 2019. Ms Shearer was also nominated in the chief executive category, and these nominations and award reflect Ms Shearer's hard work and commitment and those of her organisation.

We will hear opening statements before going into a question and answer session with members of the committee in private session.