Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Maria McCormack. I advise 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.

The key challenges to tackling homelessness is the topic of our meeting today. It presents a complex array of challenges that require a co-ordinated approach from Government agencies, non-profit agencies and communities to create sustainable and inclusive solutions. Today I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider this and other related matters further with representatives from the Ombudsman for Children, Westmeath County Council and Dublin City Council. From the Ombudsman for Children's Office, I welcome Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children; Ms Nuala Ward, director of investigations; and Dr. Tricia Kielthy, head of policy. From Westmeath County Council, I welcome Mr. Barry Kehoe, chief executive of the council, which is the lead authority for the midland region's homeless services; Ms Jackie Finney, director of services; and Mr. Vincent Gleeson, administrative officer. From Dublin City Council, I welcome Mr. Mick Mulhern, assistant chief executive and Ms Mary Hayes, director of the Dublin Region Homeless Executives, DRHE.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person 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. 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 or it 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, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. I propose that we take the opening statements as read and that we publish the statements on the public forum. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I will now invite members to discuss various issues with the representatives. I remind anyone who is attending remotely to please raise his or her hand and to turn on his or her camera to show he or she is within the confines of Leinster House.

Our speaking rota has been circulated to all members in advance. I will give six minutes each. I remind members and witnesses that the six minutes include both questions and answers. I ask members to be quick with their questions and to direct them to whomsoever they wish to ask. I remind witnesses that we are tight on time. Other members will come in during the meeting and I want to give everyone the opportunity. If we have time afterwards, we will have a second round of questions. I am also conscious that the office of the ombudsman will be in the meeting until 4.30 p.m. We will make sure to do an entire round of questions in case a member has a particular question for the ombudsman.