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

As we now have a quorum, we will begin in public session. We have received apologies from Senators Ruane and O'Sullivan. Today we will continue our engagement with stakeholders on the protection of children in the use of artificial intelligence, AI. We had our first session on this last week. We are joined today by representatives of Coimisiún na Meán, including Ms Niamh Hodnett, the online safety commissioner, Karen McAuley, director of policy for children and vulnerable adults, and Mr. Declan McLoughlin, director of codes and rules. They are all very welcome and I am sure they tuned in to our proceedings last week.

Before we begin, I must go through some housekeeping matters. I advise anyone who is joining us through Microsoft Teams that the chat function is only to be used to make us aware of any technical issues or urgent matters and should not be used to make general comments or statements. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In that regard, I ask members who are joining us via Microsoft Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus before making their contribution.

The evidence of witnesses who are 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 to the effect 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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation 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 now invite Ms Hodnett to make her opening statement, after which we will have a question-and-answer session with members.