Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Ward.

I welcome the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, and his officials to the meeting.

Witnesses and members are 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate if he or she is not adhering to that constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm, prior to making his or her contribution to the meeting, that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

To limit the risk of spreading Covid-19, the service encourages all members, visitors and witnesses to continue to wear face masks when moving around the campus or when in close proximity to others. We ask them to be respectful of other people's physical space. They are also asked to adhere to any public health advice.

I remind all members that should a vote be called, members must physically present to the committee room in order to vote.