Joan Freeman (Independent)
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I welcome to the meeting from the Mental Health Commission Mr. John Saunders, chairman, Ms Rosemary Smyth, interim chief executive, and Dr. Margo Wrigley; and from the Ombudsman for Children's Office Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Karen McAuley, head of policy, and Ms Margaret Brennan. On behalf of the committee I thank the witnesses for their attendance here today. The format of the meeting is that they will be invited to make a brief opening statement, which will be followed by a question and answer session.

I wish to draw the attention of our witnesses to the situation on privilege. Please note that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if witnesses 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or an official either by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. If possible, switch them to airplane mode because it causes havoc if they are left on. I advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I invite the witnesses to make their opening statements. We will start with Mr. John Saunders.