Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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We are back in public session. I welcome members and viewers who may be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas TV to the public session of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. The purpose of today's meeting is to have a discussion with representatives of Tusla of governance and child safeguarding issues in Scouting Ireland and in the second session to meet representatives of Scouting Ireland to discuss the same topic.

I advise members that while there have been reports in the media it is important to note that the committee cannot discuss individual cases, should avoid naming individuals, whether these names are in the public domain or not and not to discuss anything which is or is likely to be the subject of court proceedings.

On behalf of the committee I welcome Tusla's interim chief executive, Mr. Pat Smyth, the chief operations officer, Mr. Jim Gibson, the director of quality assurance, Mr. Brian Lee and service director, Linda Creamer.

Before we commence, and in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw the attention of the 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, witnesses and those in the Gallery to please switch off their mobile telephones as they might interfere with the sound system even in silent mode. I advise that any submission or opening statement provided to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. After the opening presentation, there will be engagement from the members of the committee. I call Mr. Pat Smyth. He is welcome and I thank him for accepting our invitation to discuss this important matter.