Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the standard of living and social protection. On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Heather Humphreys, who is accompanied by Mr. Rónán Hession, Ms Veronica O'Brien, Mr. Brian Molloy and Ms Sharon Keane from the Department of Social Protection. The Minister may call on her officials briefly for points of clarification during the meeting when a specific or technical point arises. The officials may clarify such matters for the committee. Any follow-up questions should be put to the Minister because she is the accountable person before the committee.

I am aware a wide range of matters are the subject matter for today's discussion. If necessary, further and more detailed information on certain issues raised may be sent to the committee team for circulation to members. I remind members they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the precincts of Leinster House. In this regard, when joining remotely members are asked to confirm they are on the Leinster House campus prior to the meeting. For anybody who is watching online, it should be noted that witnesses are attending remotely due to the unprecedented conditions arising because of Covid-19 and I ask people to bear with us.

The witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they 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 in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts to note that the constitutional protection afforded to witnesses before the committee may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given. If witnesses are asked to cease giving evidence on a particular matter they must respect the decision of the committee.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the House or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The Minister may now make her opening remarks.