John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will a read the note on privilege and housekeeping matters before we begin. Witnesses and members 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 would be regarded as damaging to the good name of the 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. It is imperative they comply with any such direction I may make. Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. This is due to the constitutional requirement that, to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask any members participating online via Microsoft Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex if they wish to contribute to the meeting. I remind all those in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

From ALONE, I welcome Seán Moynihan, CEO, and Ms Gráinne Loughran, senior policy and advocacy officer. From Family Carers Ireland, I welcome Catherine Cox, head of communications and policy, and Sinead Tighe, a family carer and advocate. From the Irish Foster Care Association, I welcome Corrinne Hasson, chief executive officer, and Andrew Murphy, advocacy co-ordinator. The committee welcomes the opportunity to engage with the witnesses and thanks them for attending this morning.

We thank all of those who respond to the committee's call for pre-budget submissions. Engagement and consultation are key elements of the process and the committee is aware of the importance of both citizen engagement and deliberative democracy. Many of the submissions we have received come from those actively involved in supporting those who are most vulnerable in society. We commend those people and look forward to reviewing the content of their submissions as part of a wider examination in advance of budget 2026.