Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Máire Devine and Senator Lynn Ruane. I am delighted to open this eighth public meeting of the committee and our second in the education, youth and prevention module. In today's meeting, we will be discussing substance use and young people. I welcome Ms Brenda Kelly, drug and alcohol senior youth worker, and Ms Carmel Walsh, director of youth services, Belong To; Mr. Mick Ferron, chief executive officer, and Ms Rachael Treanor, national youth health and programme manager, National Youth Council of Ireland; and Ms Leanne Maher, drug education worker, Canal Communities Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege. All witnesses and members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order 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 that members participating via MS Teams confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution to the meeting.

I will invite our witnesses to deliver their opening statements to the committee in a moment and following that I will call on members to put their questions to the witnesses. All statements have been circulated to the members and will be published on the Oireachtas website after this session. As agreed, we will limit each opening statement to five minutes to allow plenty of time for questions and answers. I am conscious that a wide range of issues will be subject to discussion today. If necessary, further and more detailed information can be circulated through the clerk to the members. I should also mention that members will be in and out of the committee meeting due to different meetings taking place all over the campus, so I ask witnesses for some forgiveness on that.

I call Ms Kelly to give her opening statement on behalf of Belong To. She is very welcome.