Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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I welcome to the meeting the members of the committee and, from the Ombudsman for Children's office, the ombudsman himself, Dr. Niall Muldoon; Dr. Karen McAuley, head of participation and education; Ms Nuala Ward, director of investigations; and Ms Ciara McKenna-Keane, investigator. They are all welcome and I thank them for their attendance, our previous meeting having been deferred in December.

Prior to commencing the discussion, I must read out the following note on privilege. In accordance with procedures, I am required to draw to the witnesses' attention 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they 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 ask all members present, our witnesses and members of the public present to switch their mobile phones off or to flight mode because if they fail to do so, it will interfere with our recording systems and adversely affect the broadcast of the proceedings. Any submission or opening statement our witnesses have made to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

I understand the witnesses wish to make an opening statement followed by questions from members of the committee. I now call on Dr. Muldoon to make his opening statement.