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

We have received apologies from Deputies Sean Sherlock and Holly Cairns. Senator McGreehan will be joining us online but she will not be on the Leinster House campus. Today's meeting is on the pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the mother and baby institutions payment scheme Bill. We have two sessions today. In the first session, we will be joined by officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. In the second session, we will be joined by representatives from Oak Conflict Dynamics and the Tree House Practice.

I would like to welcome from the Department Ms Laura McGarrigle, assistant secretary general; Ms Caitríona O'Connor, principal officer; and Ms Joanne Byrne, assistant principal officer. I thank them very much for being here today.

I will advise on some housekeeping matters in relation to Covid-19. We ask that people take personal responsibility in relation to distancing, etc. The chat function on Microsoft Teams should only be used to make us aware of any technical issues or urgent matters that may arise. It should not be used to make general comments or statements during the meeting.

With regard to parliamentary privilege, witnesses who are participating from the committee room are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 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 that they comply with any such direction.

I remind people 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. Members will not be permitted to participate if they are not adhering to that constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member who is participating by Microsoft Teams, that prior to making their contribution that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Ms Laura McGarrigle will now give her opening statement.