Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask members to ensure that mobile phones are switched off. This is because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

The minutes of the meeting of 15 November are agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome: Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children; Ms Suzanne Connolly, CEO of Barnardos; Ms Kathleen Moran, chairperson of the School Libraries Group of the Library Association of Ireland; Mr. Michael Kelly, CEO and founder of Grow It Yourself, GIY; and Mr. Colm Ó Cuanacháin, education director of Fighting Words. Apologies have been received from A Lust For Life, whose representative could not attend due to conflicting commitments. The witnesses are here to discuss mental health supports in schools and tertiary education. I will invite them to make brief opening statements and this will be followed by questions from members. Each member will have a five-minute slot for questions and witnesses' responses. The committee will publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Witnesses are reminded that they should not indulge in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard 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 thank all our witnesses and invite Dr. Muldoon to make his opening statement.