Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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We have received apologies from Deputies Sean Sherlock and John Brady. The agenda item for consideration this afternoon is engagement with stakeholders on the protection of children in the use of artificial intelligence.

We have had a few sessions on this already that people may have tuned into. Joining us at the meeting this afternoon are representatives of X, Ms Niamh McDade, head of government affairs, UK and Ireland, and Ms Claire Dilé, director for government affairs, Europe. From TikTok, we have Ms Susan Moss, head of public policy and government relations, and Ms Chloe Setter, child safety public policy. From Meta, we have Mr. Dualta Ó Broin, head of public policy, and Mr. David Miles, director of safety policy, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. You are all very welcome to the meeting.

I will go through the normal housekeeping matters first. For anyone joining us on Teams, please be aware that the chat function is to make us aware of any technical issues or urgent matters. It is not for people to make any 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 in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to that constitutional requirement. Therefore, if anyone attempts to participate from outside the precincts, he or she will be asked to leave the meeting. For anyone who is joining us on Teams, please ensure that you confirm that you are on the grounds of Leinster House before making your contribution.

I remind members that witnesses who have agreed to come before the committee are doing so to try to assist members with the subject matter under discussion. Please bear this in mind when asking questions. We will suspend the sitting at around 4.45 p.m. for a short break.

In advance of inviting the witnesses to deliver their opening statements, I want to advise them of the following regarding parliamentary privilege. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute 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 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.

The opening statements will be followed by questions and answers with members. The witnesses will be called in the following order: Ms Claire Dilé, Ms Susan Moss and Mr. Dualta Ó Broin. I call Ms Claire Dilé.