JOINT COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AND FAMILY AFFAIRS debate -
Wednesday, 2 Apr 2008

Role and Functions: Discussion with Family Support Agency.

Chairman

I welcome the members of the Family Support Agency, Mr. Michael O'Kennedy SC, chairperson, Mr. Pat Bennett, chief executive officer, Ms Muriel Walls, board member, Ms Polly Phillimore, service manager of the family mediation service, and Mr. Bill O'Dea, assistant principal officer.

I ask Mr. Bennett to brief the committee on the role and functions of the Family Support Agency. I draw attention to the fact that while members of the committee have absolute privilege, the same privilege does not apply to witnesses appearing before the committee. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Mr. Michael O’Kennedy

We are very privileged to be here to report to the committee. As a statutory agency, it is both a privilege and an obligation. As a former Member of the Houses, I am conscious that there are priorities that arise on certain occasions in public life. For this reason I am very conscious — as we can see from the attendance — that people's attention is understandably focused elsewhere. I am privileged to attend with my colleagues whom I can introduce, depending on what the committee decides. In the circumstances I want to leave it open to it to decide. If it would like us to come back on another occasion, we would be happy to do so. It appears — I have sat on committees — that few members — there are no Members of the Lower House present apart from the Chairman — find it easy to be here. This is a matter for the Chairman. We want to discharge our obligation to the committee and if the Chairman wants us to proceed, we will do so.

Senator Nicky McFadden

I propose that we postpone this meeting to another day. I apologise on behalf of my colleagues who, as Mr. O'Kennedy said, are occupied elsewhere. Deputy Byrne is unwell, while some of my colleagues from the Seanad cannot be here. I thank the delegation for coming. The circumstances are unfortunate. Given that the presentation will prove worthwhile, it would be wrong for the other members of the committee not to hear it.

Senator Larry Butler

I second my colleague's proposal. If the committee is agreeable, we can hear the delegation on the next suitable occasion. Most members are in the House conducting business. However, this is a very important committee and we thank the delegation for taking the time to appear before it. Its case would be best served at another meeting.

Chairman

The first available opportunity to invite the delegation back is 28 May. I am sorry because we always have a great attendance at this committee. However, because of the day that is in it, as Mr. O'Kennedy said, people's minds are elsewhere. There was a reasonable number of members here earlier but they started to make for the exits, for which there was good reason. If 28 May is good for the delegation, the committee will meet and we will seek to have a full attendance.

Mr. Michael O’Kennedy

I appreciate the Chairman's response which shows great respect to my colleagues from whom the committee would be happy to hear.

Chairman

Of course, we would.

Mr. Michael O’Kennedy

My colleagues are professionals who have an insight into the issue. The date mentioned, 28 May, is fine but I do not know how others' diaries are fixed.

Chairman

We will give a commitment that we will only bring in this delegation on that day.

Mr. Michael O’Kennedy

I was going to ask if the committee would hear us first——

Chairman

We will do that. We will give the delegation that commitment.

Mr. Michael O’Kennedy

I appreciate the Chairman's courtesy, which does not take me by surprise, and that of the members of the committee. I wish it continuing success in its work.

Chairman

I thank Mr. O'Kennedy.

The joint committee adjourned at 4.05 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 16 April 2008.