Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the joint committee I welcome the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, who is accompanied by her departmental officials Ms Éimear Fisher, assistant secretary, Mr. Denis O'Sullivan and Mr. Albert O'Donoghue, principal officers, and Mr. Michael Keenan, assistant principal officer. They are joined by the interim CEO of Tusla, Mr. Pat Smith, and Mr. Cormac Quinlan, director of transformation and policy at Tusla.

I welcome members and viewers who may be watching proceedings on Oireachtas television to the public session of the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs.

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. May I remind members to switch off their mobile phones as they will interfere with the recording systems? I wish to advise the Minister that any submissions or opening statements made to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting. The presentation will be followed by questions from members of the committee, as is normal.

I call on the Minister, Deputy Zappone, to make her opening statement.