John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I advise members of the constitutional requirements that members 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 they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members partaking via MS Teams that prior to their contribution to the meeting they would confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex. Members are reminded of 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

As the witnesses will probably be aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on the Oireachtas website following the meeting. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make any 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 a 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 the witnesses comply with this direction.

The representatives from Dóchas are very welcome. It is the first time the organisation has appeared before the committee. We have had individuals before us and we have had a private meeting, and we have had the Minister. I welcome Ms Jane-Ann McKenna, CEO of Dóchas; Mr Jim Clarken, CEO of Oxfam Ireland; and Ms Karol Balfe, CEO of ActionAid Ireland. The three witnesses and their three organisations are very welcome.

The format of the meeting is to hear the opening statements, followed by a question-and-answer session with the members of the committee. I ask members to be concise in their questions. Then we will follow the structure the witnesses were emailed. The witnesses are all very welcome today. We look forward to hearing from them on the work of their organisations. I call Ms McKenna to make her opening statement.