Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Before we begin this session I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or at least to put them in airplane mode. Interference from mobile phones affects the sound quality in transmission of the proceedings.

I welcome Eilís Ní Chaithnía, policy co-ordinator and Jennifer McCarthy, head of policy, at the National Women's Council of Ireland, NWCI. I thank them for taking the time to attend our meeting. The purpose of today's meeting is to examine the pilot programme on gender budgeting. After this meeting the committee will prepare a short report on the matter. As part of today's meeting we will focus on the quality indicators used as part of the pilot to measure the progress in each of six Departments, the process used to devise the indicators and the ways in which the pilot project in the Revised Estimates volume can be improved and help to encourage greater use of performance information during the Estimates process.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 so do, 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, 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Ní Chaithnía to make her opening statement now.