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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Phelan, Wynne, Higgins and Tully. Deputy Tully is being substituted this morning by Deputy Buckley.

On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Ms Helen Doherty, national co-ordinator of Social Farming Ireland; Mr. Brian Smyth, national project manager; and Mr. James McManus, who will be supported by Mr. Niall Cahill. I also welcome Mr. Willem Le Roux, co-ordinator; and Mr. Stephen Coates, Mr. Deante Troy and Mr. Anthony Redmond, who are young adults from the Central Remedial Clinic. They are all very welcome.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are within the precincts of Leinster House. I ask members who are joining us remotely to confirm that they are within the grounds of Leinster House prior to contributing to the meeting. For anyone watching online, some witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely. Due to the unprecedented nature of these circumstances, I ask everyone to bear with us should any technical difficulties arise.

Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses giving evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precincts that the constitutional protection afforded to witnesses attending and giving evidence before the committee may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be provided on the extent to which such evidence is covered by absolute privilege of a statutory nature. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect the decision of the Chair.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Ms Helen Doherty from Social Farming Ireland to make her opening remarks.