Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

No apologies have been received. Once again I welcome the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, and his officials to today's meeting. I will start with the usual note on privilege. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such direction.

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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members partaking via Microsoft Teams that, prior to making their contributions, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

Please note that in order to limit the risk of spreading Covid-19 the service encourages all Members, visitors and witnesses to continue wearing face masks when moving around the campus or when in close proximity to others. We ask them to please be respectful of other people's physical space. They are also asked to adhere to any public health advice.

I remind members that, should a vote be called, they must physically come to the committee room in order to vote. We will now resume consideration of the Bill on amendment No. 140. As the discussion on the amendment has already taken place, we will go straight to putting the question in a moment. I remind everybody, including me, that as we move through amendments I will hear from the group of proposers of the amendment and then input from any members of the committee who wish to comment before getting a response from the Minister. We can then move to putting the question on the amendment. Amendment No. 140 was discussed with many other amendments.