Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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Our next business is an engagement with Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, to discuss the 2022 annual report, entitled Falling Behind, of the Office of Ombudsman for Children and related matters.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. 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. They 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 to 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 regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose we publish their opening statements on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, Ms Nuala Ward, director of investigations, and Mr. Páraic Walsh, investigator, Office of the Ombudsman for Children. Dr. Muldoon will make an opening statement for around ten minutes, after which we will have questions and comments from members, each of whom will have around ten minutes. That should allow for a second round of questions. I invite Dr. Muldoon to make his opening statement.