Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome Minister of State at the Departments of Health and Justice and Equality with responsibility for disability, equality, mental health and older people, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, her officials, Ms Geraldine Fitzpatrick, assistant secretary, and Ms Sandra Walsh, assistant principal, and Mr. Gerry Raleigh, director of the National Office for Suicide Prevention. The Minister of State is here today to discuss her strategy for suicide awareness.

I remind members and those in the Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice and long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister of State to make her opening statement.