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.