Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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The Senator might point to the conflict in scheduling for whoever organised the presentation.

Doing something for child advocacy in the middle of a committee is probably not the best idea.

I thank our guests for attending the committee this morning. We will hear from Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, special rapporteur on child protection, and Professor Brian O'Neill, director of research, enterprise and innovation at Dublin City University. Later we will be joined by representatives of the Law Reform Commission on the topic of cybersecurity with regard to children and young adults.

The first session will consist of the presentations by Dr. Shannon and Professor O'Neill. I welcome both of them and thank them for their attendance at the committee.

Before we proceed I would like to read a notice on privilege. In accordance with procedures, 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 the evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they 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 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 way as to make him or 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 House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind Members to please turn off their mobile phones. There is no service in this room and their mobiles will struggle to find a service. The interference will be particularly acute if they are left on, so I would suggest simply switching them off. Mobile phones interfere with the sound systems and makes it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Television coverage and web streaming is adversely affected also.

I also wish to advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they have made to the committee will be published on the website after this committee meeting.

I understand the witnesses will make a short presentation, which will be followed by questions from the members of the committee. We will begin with Dr. Shannon and then move on to Professor O'Neill.