Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I wish to inform members of the committee that the Minister has another engagement this afternoon and therefore needs to leave this meeting not later than 3.20 p.m., but I think we will have plenty of time.

I welcome the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, and his officials, Dr. Fergal Lynch, Ms Carol Baxter and Mr. Dermot Ryan.

I remind the Minister that he is protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation he makes to the committee. This means he has an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything he says at the meeting. However, he is expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Chairman to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if his statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, he will be directed to discontinue his remarks and it is imperative that he comply with any such direction.

We are meeting this afternoon to consider the Further Revised Estimate for Vote 40, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which was referred to the committee by Dáil Éireann on 4 November 2020. In accordance with Standing Orders, discussion should be confined to the items constituting the Further Revised Estimates.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement after which I will call on members for questions in the order they have indicated.