Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I remind members and delegates to turn off their mobile phones, the interference from which affects the sound quality and transmission of the proceedings.

From Social Justice Ireland I welcome Dr. Seán Healy, director, and Ms Michelle Murphy, research and policy analyst. I thank them for making themselves available. We are interested in hearing from them about equality budgeting.

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 it 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 or make charges against any person or an 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 invite Dr. Healy to make his opening statement.