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

I welcome Dr. Muldoon. He will be addressing the committee from meeting room B in LH2000. I also welcome his colleagues accompanying him, Ms Karen McAuley, head of the policy department; and Ms Ciara McKenna-Keane, external investigator.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The purpose of this afternoon's meeting is to discuss with the Ombudsman for Children the contents of his recently published report, entitled Unmet Needs, which is a report on challenges facing children who require an assessment of their needs. I remind members that they should adhere to the content of the report when putting their questions to Dr. Muldoon. The committee will wish to engage with Dr. Muldoon again in the near future to discuss other issues he considers should be brought to its attention. The secretariat will be in contact with him to arrange this additional meeting.

I invite Dr. Muldoon to make his opening statement, which will be followed by a question-and-answer session with members. I will call on members in the order in which they indicate.