Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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The committee will consider the Revised Estimates for Vote 40 - Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; and Vote 25 - Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, as referred by the Dáil. Only matters relevant to the Estimates can be discussed.

On behalf of the select committee, I welcome the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, and his officials, and thank them for the comprehensive briefing material provided. This material has been circulated to members in advance of the meeting. The following officials are here with the Minister: Mr. Andrew Patterson, principal officer; Dr. Anne-Marie Brooks, assistant secretary; Mr. Dermot Ryan, assistant secretary, Mr. Gordon Gaffney, principal officer; Ms Laura McGarrigle, assistant secretary; Ms Orla Tunney, principal officer; and Ms Patricia Ballantine, assistant principal.

The proposed format of the meeting is to invite the Minister to deliver an opening statement. Following this we will open it up to questions from the committee. Everyone is allocated ten minutes for their questions, including answers from the Minister.

On parliamentary privilege, I advise attendees of the following. They are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. They are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure it is not abused. If an attendee's 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.