Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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Today we are dealing with the Comptroller and Auditor general report 2015, chapter 11, which deals with the guardian ad litemservice. We are joined by representatives of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Tusla. Specifically, from the Department we are joined by Dr. Fergal Lynch, Secretary General; Ms Éimear Fisher, assistant secretary; Ms Lara Hynes, principal officer; and Ms Doreen Burke, assistant principal. From Tusla we are joined by Mr. Fred McBride, chief executive officer; Ms Pamela Benson from legal affairs; Mr. Pat Smyth, director of finance; Ms Suzanne O'Flaherty of legal affairs; and Ms Helena Hanna of the finance section.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off all mobile phones. I advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving the evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of that evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. 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. Members of the committee are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such a policy. Finally, members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

At this stage I will ask the Comptroller and Auditor General to give a summary of the report for context. I will then ask Dr. Lynch to give his opening statement. Deputy Madigan will be first to ask questions todays and she will be followed by Deputy Cassells and others as they indicate.