Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the committee I welcome Ms Aine McGuirk, chairperson, and Mr. Joe McCarthy from the Irish Association of Social Workers, IASW. I thank the witnesses for making themselves available to us. I welcome the members again, as well as viewers who may be watching proceedings on Oireachtas television, to the public session of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs.

Before we commence, I am required to draw the witnesses' attention 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 Public Gallery to switch off their mobile phones as they may interfere with the recording systems and prevent parliamentary reporters from fulfilling their task. It also has a habit of interfering with the broadcasting of the proceedings. I advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. After their presentation there will be engagement from the members. I call on Ms Aine McGuirk to make her opening statement.