Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Members participating in the meeting remotely are required to do so from within the precincts of Leinster House only. I ask members and witnesses to please turn off their mobile phones or ensure they are on silent mode. I advise members of the committee who are participating in the meeting remotely to use the raise hand function on Microsoft Teams if they wish to contribute.

This meeting is to consider the progress of the targets for the sustainable development goals, SDGs, with representatives of Coalition 2030, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann and Social Justice Ireland. The progress of the SDGs is an integral part of the work of the committee. Under Standing Order 100(4), this aspect is now included in the committee's annual work programme and orders of reference. There are five strategic objectives in the National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals 2022-2024. The first of these is "To embed the SDG framework into the work of Government Departments to achieve greater policy coherence for sustainable development."

As the work of this committee shadows that of the Departments of Social Protection and Rural and Community Development, which is responsible for the islands, we are engaging with some interested groups to see how they feel these Departments are progressing with the relevant SDG targets. Agenda 2030 acknowledges the essential role of national parliaments in ensuring accountability for effective implementation of our SDG commitments. The committee has appointed the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Deputy Ó Cathasaigh, as rapporteur on this report and hopes, through its championing of the topic, to deliver a report that includes productive recommendations for these Departments to take on board.

Groups that are at-risk and that have the most to gain from the SDGs, as identified in the January SDG national stakeholder forum, include children and young people; disabled people; people living with long-term health issues; older people; the Travelling community; refugees, internally displaced people and migrants; people who are homeless; people with mental health issues or those affected by addiction or both; people living in rural Ireland; the LGBTQI+ community; people who are socially or economically disadvantaged or both; the working poor and those living below the poverty line; ethnic minorities; disconnected communities; single-parent families and carers; and victims of human trafficking. These are groups that, through the lenses of the Departments of Social Protection and Rural and Community Development, this committee hopes to bring about positive change for by progressing the delivery of the sustainable development goals.

I welcome to the meeting representatives of Coalition 2030, Meaghan Carmody, co-ordinator, Johnny Sheehan, membership and regional manager of The Wheel, Paul Ginnell, director of the European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland and, online, my neighbour, Louise Lennon, policy and media officer with Irish Rural Link. From Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, I welcome Aisling Moran, chair and development worker for Sherkin, Long and Hare Islands and John Walsh, board member and co-ordinator of Bere Island Project Group and chair of the European Small Islands Federation. We were in their company yesterday at a productive meeting with Senator Paddy Burke on Clare Island. The clerk to the committee was also there. Also from Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, we have Ms Tuuli Rantala, board member and community development officer on Inishbofin and Simon Murray, board member. From Social Justice Ireland, I welcome Susanne Rogers, research and policy analyst, and Colette Bennett, economic and social analyst. They are all very welcome.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise nor 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not comment on, criticise nor 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.

I call on Ms Carmody to make her opening statement.