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

We are joined this afternoon by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, and the following officials from the Department: Ms Laura McGarrigle, assistant secretary; Mr. James Gibbs, principal officer; and Mr. David Noone, principal officer. The witnesses are all very welcome and we thank them, and the Minister in particular, for coming in today.

I ask members to only use the chat function on Microsoft Teams to make us aware of any technical issues or urgent matters. It should not be used to make general comments or statements during the meeting. 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. Members will not be permitted 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. I ask any member who is participating via Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of Leinster House before making their comments.

In advance of inviting the witnesses to deliver their opening statements, I remind those participating from the committee room of the longstanding 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. 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.