Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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Today's agenda is our engagement on issues facing the early childhood sector. A number of witnesses are present, which is fantastic. We have representatives from the Association of Childhood Professionals - Ms Marian Quinn, chairperson, and Ms Anne Clarke, owner and manager of the Playaway Crèche. We have Mr. Darragh O'Connor, head of strategic organising with SIPTU, and Ms Avril Green, chairperson of SIPTU's early years national committee. From the Federation of Early Childhood Providers, we have Ms Elaine Dunne, chairperson, and Ms Sonya Duggan, a member of its sub-advisory committee. From Early Childhood Ireland, we have Ms Teresa Heeney, chief executive officer, and Ms Frances Byrne, director of policy. From the Children's Rights Alliance, we have Ms Julie Ahern, who is its legal, policy and services director, and Dr. Naomi Feely, senior researcher and policy manager. I welcome the witnesses.

I will take us through the normal housekeeping matters. For anyone joining us on Microsoft Teams, be aware that its chat function is only to be used to make us aware of any technical issues or urgent matters and should not be used to make general comments or statements during the meeting.

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 will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who is participating from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via Teams to confirm whether he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus before making a contribution.

The opening statements will be followed by questions and answers. In advance of inviting the witnesses to deliver their opening statements, I wish to advise them of the following important point in respect of parliamentary privilege. Witnesses 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I will now run through the speaking order. We will start with Ms Quinn, followed by Mr. O'Connor, Ms Dunne, Ms Heeney and Ms Ahern. Afterwards, we will have questions and answers from members, including via Teams.