Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I have received apologies from Senator Joe O'Reilly. I welcome other members and notwithstanding the busy weekend that most of us have had, with the exception of Senator Craughwell. Today we meet with representatives from Dóchas to discuss their pre-budget submission. I especially welcome Ms Jane-Ann McKenna, CEO of Dóchas; Ms Karol Balfe, CEO of Action Aid Ireland; Ms Réiseal Ní Chéilleachair, head of international advocacy, Concern Worldwide; and Mr. Feargal O'Connell, CEO of Self Help Africa. Our witnesses are very welcome to what is an annual engagement before our summer recess.

This is an opportunity for us to hear about the ongoing programmes of work of these organisations from their representatives and especially about their priorities for the budget in the autumn. The format of the meeting is in the usual manner. We will hear opening statements in turn, followed by a questions and answers sessions with members of the committee. I remind members to be concise with their questions in order to allow for everyone to participate and for detailed discussion.

On privilege, I remind both witnesses and members 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 them in any way identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of any 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 any such direction be complied with. That said, I do not anticipate that any such direction might be in any way relevant to the witnesses this afternoon.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. I advise witnesses that we are still operating under a post-Covid hybrid format in that it is possible for members to participate in, pose questions and engage with observations, submissions and otherwise during the meeting, while sitting in their offices. While I do not see any members operating from their offices at present, I ask witnesses to keep an eye on the screen. With that, I call Ms Jane-Ann McKenna to make her opening statement.