Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Cuirim fáilte go dtí an cruinniú tábhachtach seo roimh gach duine. Apologies have been received from Deputies Callaghan and Butterly and Senator Kelleher. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode. The purpose of today's meeting is an engagement with a number of stakeholders as part of the committee's scrutiny of the general scheme of the international protection Bill 2025. This is a substantive heads of Bill document that has been circulated to members and is potentially very substantive legislation.

We are delighted to welcome a number of witnesses to today's hearing. From Tusla we have Mr. Gerry Hone and Ms Lorna Kavanagh. From Doras we have Dr. John Lannon and Ms Donnah Vuma. From the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, we have Mr. Liam Herrick and Mr. Stephen Collins. From the Ombudsman for Children's Office, we have Dr. Tricia Keilthy and Ms Nuala Ward. Attending as observers are officials from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. They are here to assist the committee if clarification is needed on the general scheme. They are Ms Tracy O'Keeffe and Ms Kerry Doyle. They are all welcome.

Before I invite the witnesses to make opening statements I advise the following in respect of parliamentary privilege. 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 might be regarded as damaging 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 that they comply with such a direction.

I will invite each organisation in turn to make an opening statement to a maximum of three minutes. Once all the opening statements have been delivered, I will call on members of the committee in the order in which they indicate to me to put questions. The committee operates a rota system, which ensures we can provide approximately seven minutes in the first round and if time permits, we will have second or subsequent rounds. Please note that the duration of the meeting is limited, and we ask that times be strictly adhered to.

I invite Mr. Gerry Hone on behalf of Tusla to deliver his opening statement.