Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from the Chair, Deputy Denis Naughten, and from Senators Róisín Garvey and Paul Gavan. Members are required to participate in the meeting remotely from within the Leinster House complex only. I ask that members and witnesses please turn off all mobile phones as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment. Members of the committee participating remotely, please use the raise hand function on Microsoft Teams in order to make a contribution.

We will now commence the third hearing of the joint committee to reconsider the general scheme of the charities (amendment) Bill 2022. I am pleased that we now continue our conversation on this important legislation and in this regard I would like to welcome to the meeting an Aire Stáit, Deputy Joe O'Brien, who is accompanied by the following officials; Ms Ciara Bates, principal officer, community and voluntary supports and programmes unit; Mr. Kevin Power, assistant principal officer, community and voluntary supports and programmes unit; and Ms Niamh Hoey, administrative officer, community and voluntary supports and programmes unit. They are all from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Before we begin, I want to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references that may be made to other persons in evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or those who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are again 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 damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a witness's statement is potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue such remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction. The Department's briefing, opening statement and supplementary information has been circulated to members. I now invite the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, to make his opening statement.