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

Our next item on the agenda is an engagement on matters relating to child poverty with officials from the Department of Social Protection. I will now read a note on privilege and housekeeping matters before I begin. Witnesses and members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make any 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 that they comply with any such directions as I might make.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that, to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. 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 the Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask members participating 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.

Today's meeting concerns matters relating to child poverty. We are here to engage with Department officials and to receive an update on recent developments on this important issue. We will also learn more about the recent announcement relating to the revised targets. With that in mind, I welcome the following officials from the Department of Social Protection: Mr. Niall Egan, assistant secretary general; Mr. Rónán Hession, assistant secretary general; Ms Karen Kennedy, principal officer; and Ms Denise Ryan, assistant principal officer. I invite Mr. Egan to make his opening remarks.