Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Gabhaim buíochas le Ms McCormack. As members will know, this committee prides itself that as well as inviting expert witnesses to discuss issues before us we also welcome a real-life experience of the matters under discussion.

For that reason, we are delighted to welcome Ms Valerie McAllorum Ryan to the committee to give her personal testimony. Mc McAllorum Ryan is welcome to make her opening statement.