Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our witnesses from Jigsaw and Mental Health Ireland, who are in committee room 1. I advise the witnesses 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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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.

From Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, I welcome Dr. Joseph Duffy, CEO, Mr. Paul Longmore, acting clinical director, and Ms Royanne McGregor, youth advisory panel. From Mental Health Ireland, I welcome Mr. Martin Rogan, CEO. From Mental Health Reform, I welcome Ms Kate Mitchell, senior policy and research officer. I will not be calling on the witnesses to make opening statements as they have been circulated in advance. I will give the floor to Deputy Ward from Sinn Féin, who is taking ten minutes.