James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Our next topic is the arson attacks. I welcome our first group this afternoon, namely, the Hope and Courage Collective. I am delighted that the two representatives are with us today. I remind witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode so they do not interfere with the sound system. Sometimes they interfere with the recording of a meeting.

The primary purpose of this and the next session, when we will hear from senior gardaí, is to discuss recent arson attacks on centres or on buildings rumoured to be centres for international protection applicants and temporary protection applicants. There has been significant media coverage of these and people are well aware that it has been happening. Quite simply, we want to hear what can be done to address it. From the Hope and Courage Collective, I formally welcome Ms Niamh McDonald, director, and Mr. Mark Malone, research and communications lead.

As is usual, I remind witnesses 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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they may be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction. I will give a slight qualifier to that because of the context of today's meeting. Witnesses from An Garda Síochána will attend a later session. Normally, we advise witnesses not to engage on a party that is not in the room. However, if witnesses wish to make suggestions or points - I am not for a minute telling the witnesses what to say - that An Garda Síochána could or should answer, that would be allowable because gardaí will be in the room later and the points can be put to them for a response. I am not highlighting An Garda Síochána, but it is an exception as it will be before the committee later so that would be appropriate. We also understand it is a commonsense system.

The way we operate is that once we have heard the opening statements from witnesses, we use a rota system for members' contributions. Generally, each member has six minutes, including for questions and the witnesses responses. After six minutes, I will move on to the next member in the order they have indicated.

I invite Ms McDonald to make her opening statement.