Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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We are now in public session. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Zappone, and her officials to the meeting, the purpose of which is to discuss the affordable child care scheme. I thank them for coming.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw the witnesses' attention to the fact 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person 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 or her identifiable. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones and ensure they are no where near the microphones when they are switched on as this disrupts the broadcasting of the committee's proceedings.

If the Minister would be so kind as to bear with me, in advance of inviting her to make her contribution, I want to make some opening remarks, having been recently selected and appointed by the Dáil to chair this committee. I am very grateful for the opportunity to chair such a significant committee in terms of the work programme and the operation of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. I am aware of the very significant contribution the Department and this committee makes in Irish life on the basis that primarily I hail from Fingal, which has the youngest population in the State, and, therefore, I fully understand the pressure that child care costs cause for families and the needs of child care providers in terms of resources and support. Child welfare, fostering and adoption are some of the most important matters facing our country. There can be no more important matter than to ensure adequate protections are in place to protect every child and young person.

The issues debated by this committee are above party politics. The former Chairman, now Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, was very quick to point out that this has been the manner in which this committee has operated during the past 12 months. As Chairman, I very much hope to continue in that vein. I am committed to prioritising the needs of our children and our young people, and their welfare. I know members are as committed and as passionate about these matters as I.

The committee is particularly centred on workings of the Oireachtas, our democracy and our State given that fact that it is wholly focused on the protection and welfare of our future generations, ensuring that they are in a position to make the most of every opportunity which life affords them. I am of the view that by working together we can make a real impact upon the lives of children and young people right across this State. I am grateful to have the opportunity to chair this committee and to work with all members on matters which come before us. I embrace the challenge of chairing this committee in the best interests of every person with and for whom we work and for the betterment of our society in general. I thank the members for bearing with me.

I wish to advise that any submissions or opening statements from the Minister and the witnesses will be published in the committee's website after this hearing. I understand that the Minister may wish to make a short presentation. Her opening statement has been circulated in advance. Prior to asking the Minister to speak, a matter arose during our private session initiated by Senator Joan Freeman. Unfortunately, the Senator was not able to stay with us due to other commitments but she recommended, in the context of section 13, that Dr. Geoffrey Shannon conduct the investigation into the relevant matters. That is her recommendation, as agreed by the committee. Her request is that the Minister would consider that matter in her deliberations on section 13. I ask the Minister to commence her opening statement.