Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Moynihan. The purpose of the meeting is to resume discussion of the rights-based approach to day services. I extend on behalf of the committee a warm welcome to representatives of St. Michael's House: Ms Liz Reynolds, chief executive officer; Ms Tara Molloy, director of support services and interim director of quality and risk; Mr. Diarmuid Devereux, director of estates, and Mr. Jim McCaughey, director of finance.

All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 of it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in nature 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm prior to making a contribution that they are within that complex.

I call on Ms Reynolds to make her opening statement.