Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to continue our discussion of how we can sustain viable rural communities. This is a large project for the committee, which ultimately will see us engaging with 49 witness groups from across the State. We greatly appreciate the input of all delegates who come before the committee. Our witnesses today are Mr. Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications at Age Action Ireland; Ms Patricia Bourke, head of training and professional standards, and Ms Linda Thorpe, both representing Mental Health Ireland; and Mr. John-Mark McCafferty, head of social justice, and Mr. Kieran Stafford, both from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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. I advise the witnesses that their opening statements and any documents they have submitted to the committee will be published on our website after the 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.

We have deliberated on all the different elements that are required for sustaining rural communities. We are now considering stream 5, which is concerned with caring for the elderly and disadvantaged in rural areas. I invite Mr. Moran to make his opening statement.