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

I welcome representatives of Tusla to our engagement on the challenges facing foster carers, general foster care issues and the loss of services provided by Positive Care.

We are joined from Tusla by Mr. Bernard Gloster, chief executive; Ms Kate Duggan, national director of services and integration; Mr. Pat Smyth, national director of finance and corporate services; Dr. Anthony O'Leary, director of quality and regulation; Mr. Ger Brophy, chief social worker; and Ms Niamh Doody, business manager. They are all welcome to the meeting. It is great to have them here in person. The last few times Mr. Gloster has been before the committee it has been in virtual meetings due to Covid-19. It is great to have him back in person.

We are encouraging people to wear masks apart from when they are speaking. I ask for people to be respectful of others' physical space. I also advise anyone who is joining us online through Microsoft Teams that the chat function is only to be used if there is a need to tell us about any technical issues or urgent matters that may arise. It should not be used to make general comments or statements during the meeting.

Witnesses who are participating from the committee room are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are 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 a contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I note that in his opening statement, Mr. Gloster has advised he would like to briefly update the committee on a few key activities of the agency. I have no issue with him briefing members. However, I advise our members when putting questions to the witnesses that they keep to the agenda items under consideration. If members are of the opinion we need to examine some of the other activities performed by Tusla, we can arrange a follow-up meeting. I invite Mr. Gloster to deliver his opening statement.