Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputy Dillon. Our witnesses are very welcome. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are on silent mode or switched off. Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references the 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. This means that witnesses have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure it is not abused. Therefore, 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. 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 a 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.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from enquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is a permanent witness to the committee. He is accompanied by Mr. John Crean, deputy director at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

This morning we will engage with officials from the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, to examine the 2022 financial statements for the Child and Family Agency, the Sláintecare healthy communities parenting programmes, and the use of special emergency arrangements as areas of interest. We are joined by the following officials from Tusla: Ms Kate Duggan, CEO, Mr. Pat Smyth, national director of finance and corporate services, Ms Clare Murphy, interim national director of services and integration, and Ms Rosarii Mannion, national director of people and change.

We are also joined by the following representatives from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Mr. Colm Ó Conaill, assistant secretary in the disability division; Mr. Des Delaney, chief social worker and head of child care performance and social work unit; Ms Marie Kennedy, principal officer, alternative care policy; and Mr. Simon Conry, principal officer. They are all very welcome.

I now call the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, for his opening statement.