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

We have received apologies from Deputy Michael Creed. We will consider Committee Stage of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022. I welcome the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, and the officials who are with him, to the meeting. I will read the note on privilege.

All witnesses and members 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 and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit members to participate where they are not adhering to that constitutional requirement. Therefore, if any member attempts to participate from outside the precincts, he or she will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask members who are participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm they are on the Leinster House campus before making their contribution. I remind members that should a vote be called, they must be physically present in the committee room to vote.

I believe the Minister wanted to make a few comments before we commence consideration of the Bill.