Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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In our second session, we resume our discussion on child poverty, which we commenced prior to Christmas. I welcome Ms Karen Kiernan, chief executive officer, and Ms Niamh Kelly, policy manager, One Family; Dr. Tricia Keilthy, head of social justice and policy, and Ms Rose McGowan, national president, Society of St. Vincent de Paul; and Ms Karin Jonsson, manager, Quarryvale Family Resource Centre, Clondalkin.

I will invite the witnesses to make their opening statements in the following order, Ms Kiernan, Dr. Keilthy and Ms Jonsson. Before doing so, I must I advise the witnesses of the following in relation to parliamentary privilege. As all 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 of the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if they are directed by me to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. The witnesses will have three minutes to make their opening statements, which I ask them to adhere to owing to time constraints. There will be questions and answers with members afterwards. Each member will have five minutes' speaking time, to include questions and answers.

I invite Ms Kiernan to make her opening statement.