Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 2 March 2022

Select Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Business of Select Committee

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy John Paul Phelan. I welcome the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, and his officials to the meeting. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against a 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind Members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit Members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any Member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask that any Members partaking via Microsoft Teams confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contributions to the meeting.

Those attending in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Masks should continue to be worn by those present while they are not addressing the committee. I remind all members that should a vote be called, members must physically come to the committee room to vote. I advise all in attendance that should a division be demanded, the secretariat is operating a new system which will display the taking of the division on the screens in the committee room.

I thank the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and his officials for attending today and engaging with the committee.