Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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We received apologies from Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Senator Lynne Ruane and Senator Sharon Keogan. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore is substituting for Deputy Holly Cairns. Before we begin, I need to go through a few housekeeping matters. I ask any member or witness participating remotely who experiences any sound or technical issue, to let us know through the chat function. Otherwise, I will proceed. I advise everybody that as this is a public meeting, the chat function on Microsoft Teams should be used only to advise participants of any technical issue or urgent matter and should not be used to make general comments or statements. I remind members participating remotely to keep your devices on mute until you are invited to speak, and when you are speaking, I ask that, where possible, have your cameras switched on and be mindful we are in public session.

In addition, I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate in the meeting from outside the precincts will be refused.

The first session today is with representatives of the Prevention & Early Intervention Network. I would like to welcome Dr. Maria O'Dwyer, national co-ordinator, and Mr. Francis Chance, chairperson of the Prevention & Early Intervention Network. The purpose of our meeting is to engage with you both in relation to strengthening prevention and early intervention supports to children and families post pandemic.

Before I ask you to give your opening statement, I will go through parliamentary privilege. As all of the witnesses are appearing before the committee virtually, I need to point out there is uncertainty if parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, you are directed by me to cease giving evidence about a particular matter, it is imperative you comply with any such direction. You will be allocated three minutes for your opening statement. We have a speaking rota, which has been circulated. Each member will have five minutes for questions and answers. We look forward to engaging with you both today on this very important topic.

I invite Dr. O'Dwyer to give her opening statement.