Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome members and those viewers who may be watching the proceedings on Oireachtas TV to the public session the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the recruitment and retention of social workers. In the first session, the committee will hear from representatives of the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA and, in the second session, we will hear from representatives of Tusla. In the first session, we are joined from HIQA by Ms Mary Dunnion, chief inspector-director of regulation, and Ms Broghan Gibson, regional manager of children's services.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 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 remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Television coverage and web streaming may also be affected adversely.

I advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have made to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. Following the witnesses' presentations there will be questions from the members of the committee. I invite Mr. Ms Dunnion and Ms Gibson to make their opening statements.