Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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We are now in public session. The purpose of this morning's meeting is to meet with Mr. Bernard Gloster, the appointee to the role of CEO of Tusla, to discuss his future plans for the organisation and to get an update from Tusla arising from the recent "RTÉ Investigates" programme on childcare facilities and the meeting with the joint committee on 30 July 2019. There have been reports in the media and I advise members that it is important to note that the committee cannot discuss individual cases and members should avoid naming individuals regardless of whether their names are in the public domain and should not discuss anything that is likely to be the subject of court proceedings. I advise members that in respect of a reported number of investigations that are open or being opened into the matter that are subject to proceedings, this committee wishes to avoid direct discussion of these actions and naming individuals thereby prejudicing any investigation.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Bernard Gloster, the new CEO of Tusla; Mr. Pat Smyth, director of finance; Mr. Brian Lee, director of quality assurance; and Ms Kim Hayes, interim director of human resources and thank them for attending.

I 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 ask all members and our guests to switch off their mobile phones as they will interfere with the sound and recording systems. I advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. After Mr. Gloster's presentation, there will be questions from members of the committee. I call on Mr. Gloster to make his opening statement.