Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senators Dolan and Hoey.

This morning we will meet representatives from the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, ISPCC, and Barnardos to get an update on the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health of children. I welcome our witnesses this morning, who will be providing us with an update on the challenges faced by organisations working in the area of child welfare. From Barnardos, via Microsoft Teams, I welcome Ms Suzanne Connolly, CEO, and Ms Laura Keane, project leader of Barnardos in Limerick. I also welcome Mr. John Church, CEO of the ISPCC, who is appearing in the committee room.

Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of Covid-19. They are strongly advised to practise good hand hygiene and leave at least one vacant seat between themselves and others attending. They should also always maintain an appropriate level of social distancing during and after the meeting. Masks, preferably of a medical grade, should be worn at all times during the meeting except when speaking. I ask for everyone's full co-operation on this.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. I ask members to confirm prior to contributing to the meeting that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I now call Ms Connolly from Barnardos to make her opening remarks.