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

I welcome the Members and viewers who may be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas TV to the public session of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. The purpose of this afternoon's meeting is to discuss insurance cover for crèches with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. We seek an update arising from recent reports that only one insurance provider remains in the market and concerns have been expressed by crèche operators.

I wish to advise members that while there have been reports in the media, it is important to note that the committee cannot discuss individual cases and should avoid naming individuals, whether these names are in the public domain or not and should not discuss anything which is likely to be subject to court proceedings. On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katharine Zappone, and her officials Dr. Lynch, Ms McNally, Ms Corrigan and Mr. Wolfe. I thank them for their attendance at such short notice.

Members are reminded of the long standing parliamentary practice members to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her 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 Houses, or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I wish to advise the Minister that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. After the Minister's presentation there will be questions from members. I now call on the Minister to make her opening statement, please.