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

I welcome members and viewers who may be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas TV to the public session of the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. The purpose of today's meeting is to meet representatives of Scouting Ireland to get an update on governance and child safeguarding issues.

I advise members that while there have been reports in the media, it is important to note the committee cannot discuss individual cases, should avoid naming individuals, regardless of whether those names are in the public domain, and should not discuss anything that is likely to be subject to court proceedings. I further advise members that according to reports, a number of investigations are open and, as a committee, we must avoid direct discussion of the action or inaction of named individuals which might prejudice any such investigation.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome from Scouting Ireland Mr. Adrian Tennant, chair of the board of directors; Dr. John Lawlor, chief executive officer; and Mr. Gearóid Begley, safeguarding manager. Apologies have been received from Deputy Lisa Chambers and Senators Freeman and Noone.

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. 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 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 ask witnesses, members and visitors in the Gallery to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with our recording systems and make it difficult for those watching at home.

I advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they make to this committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. After the opening presentation, members will ask questions. I invite Mr. Tennant to make his opening statement.