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

We now commence in public session. I have received apologies from Senator Eugene Murphy. Members participating in the meeting remotely are required to do so from within the precincts of Leinster House only. I welcome the witnesses. I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at this meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty to ensure this privilege is not abused. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her 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, witnesses 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 that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee will now consider pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the social welfare (child maintenance and liable relatives) Bill 2023. The proposed Bill aims to exclude child maintenance payments from social welfare means tests. It also seeks to ensure that lone parents will no longer need to make efforts to seek maintenance to access social welfare payments. This has delayed receipt of social assistance support and caused hardship for many families in the past. The committee supports the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the child maintenance review group regarding the social welfare system and welcomes these changes through this proposed legislation. The committee has released a call for submissions and responses will be included in the pre-legislative scrutiny report of the committee.

I welcome to the meeting today representatives from the Department of Social Protection, namely, Mr. Rónán Hession, assistant secretary with responsibility for working age and family policy, Ms Dearbháil Nic Giolla Mhicíl, principal officer in the area of families and children policy, and Ms Marina Louarn, assistant principal in the area of one parent and child income policy.

I invite Mr. Hession to make his opening statement.