Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Today we will examine the role, remit and activities of the Ombudsman for Children in regard to schools and their boards of management.

I draw the attention of the witness to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Mobile telephones should be switched off completely or switched to airplane or flight mode because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment. This part of our meeting is being broadcast live on UPC channel 207, eVision channel 504 and Sky channel 574.

Today we are looking at the role, remit and activities of the Ombudsman for Children in regard to schools and their boards of management. Complaints in regard to schools are made in the first instance to a school or board of management.

However, a person under the age of 18 years or an adult, on behalf of such a person, may, in certain cases if they are unhappy with the response to such a complaint, make a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children.

To help us with our discussion on this topic I welcome Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, who is accompanied by his officials, Mr. Padraig Walsh, Dr. Karen McAuley and Ms Nuala Ward. Dr. Muldoon will discuss his role in regard to schools and their boards of management. I congratulate him on his recent appointment and invite him to make his presentation.