Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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In our second session, we will engage with representatives from Focus Ireland and Barnardos. I welcome Mr. Pat Dennigan, CEO , Mr. Mike Allen, director of advocacy, research and communications, and Ms Kelly-Anne Byrne, ambassador, from Focus Ireland. We are also joined by Ms Suzanne Connolly, chief executive, and Mr. Stephen Moffat, national policy manager, with Barnardos. The purpose of this session is to engage with the witnesses on child poverty.

Before we begin, I will outline the situation with regard to parliamentary privilege. As all witnesses are appearing before the committee virtually, I must point out that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if the witness are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The witnesses will have three minutes to deliver their opening statements and then we will have a question and answer session with members of the committee who will have five minutes each. I now invite Mr. Dennigan to make an opening statement on behalf of Focus Ireland.