Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh na hoifigigh ó Tusla anseo ar maidin. Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leo as a bheith anseo linn. I welcome from Tusla Mr. Fred McBride, chief executive, Mr. Jim Gibson, chief operations officer, and Mr. Cormac Quinlan, director of policy and strategy, and thank each of them for appearing before the committee today. I also welcome our colleagues in the Public Gallery and thank Senator Conway for his attendance and for facilitating us.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I am required to draw the attention of the 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I remind members to switch off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode.

The witnesses will make a short presentation, which will be followed by questions from members. I invite Mr. McBride to make his opening statement.