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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Paul Donnelly. Members participating remotely are required to do so from within the Leinster House precincts only.

I welcome the witnesses. 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 in respect of anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure this privilege 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 either 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a 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 the impact of means testing on the carer's allowance and other social welfare schemes with representatives from One Family Ireland, Family Carers Ireland, Care Alliance Ireland, and Home and Community Care Ireland. This is the fourth meeting in a series that the committee intends to hold on the theme of means testing within the social welfare system. Improving the social welfare system for carers is something the committee is particularly concerned about. We are interested in hearing the views of those before us today with respect to means testing. The committee is aware that the Department of Social Protection is undertaking a review of this topic at the moment. We look forward to seeing the results of this review and collaborating with it on a system that is equitable for all.

I welcome to today's meeting from Care Alliance Ireland, Ms Tara O'Connor, project co-ordinator of the online family carer support group, and Ms Zoe Hughes, senior policy and research officer; from Family Carers Ireland, Ms Catherine Cox, head of communications and policy, and Ms Moira Skelly, a family carer; from Home and Community Care Ireland, Mr. Joseph Musgrave, chief executive officer, Mr. Jamie Farrelly, policy and communications manager, and Ms Paula Maher, managing director of care at home; and from One Family Ireland, Ms Carly Bailey, policy officer, and Ms Karen Kiernan, chief executive officer.

I now invite Ms Hughes to make her opening statement.