Frances Black (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives from the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, who are here to brief the committee on the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill. I welcome Dr. Niall Muldoon, the Ombudsman for Children; Dr. Karen McAuley, head of policy; and Mr. Diego Castillo Goncalves, policy officer.

Before we hear the opening statement, I need to point out to our witnesses that there is uncertainty if parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if they are directed by me to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect that direction. All witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue his or her remarks. It is imperative that he or she complies with any such direction.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I would ask all members, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. I call on Dr. Muldoon to make his opening remarks. He is very welcome.