Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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No apologies have been received. This morning, we will engage with witnesses from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, regarding its 2020 financial statements. After lunch, the committee will consider correspondence and other business of the committee. We are joined remotely from within the precincts of Leinster House by the following officials from Tusla: Mr. Bernard Gloster, chief executive; Ms Kate Duggan, director of services and integration; Mr. Pat Smyth, director of finance; and Ms Niamh Doody, business manager.

Before we start, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. As witnesses are within the precincts of Leinster House, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action or anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chairman to ensure it is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory regarding an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they do so.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now invite the Comptroller and Auditor General to make his opening statement.