Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before we start our business, I will read some formal notices. All those present in the room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

For the information of our witnesses, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references they may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or of those 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 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Today's meeting is split into two sessions. Session A will run from now until just after 12.30 p.m. We will have a short break and session B will run from 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. At the request of the committee Cathaoirleach, we will endeavour to finish the meeting at 2 p.m. so that the room will be cleared in time for the next committee meeting.

We will begin session A. I propose the usual arrangements. Our witnesses will make their opening statements for five minutes and we will then have questions and answers from the members. Members will be allowed to ask questions and receive answers for a period of five minutes. Should there be sufficient time afterwards, members will be able to come back in again.

I welcome our witnesses to the committee. From the Technological University of the Shannon, TUS, we are joined by Dr. Frances O’Connell, vice president of student education and experience; Dr. Carolann Bargary, head of access and disability services; and Ms Lisa Hanlon, head of disability services. From the Irish Society for Autism, we are joined by Dr. Pat Matthews, executive director, and Ms Tara Matthews, deputy executive director. The committee is pleased to have the opportunity to discuss autism policy with representatives from both TUS and the Irish Society for Autism.

With more than 14,000 students on six campuses, Ireland’s mid-west and midlands TUS is one of the newest and technological universities and a unique one.

Founded in 1963, the Irish Society for Autism is the longest-established dedicated organisation for people on the autism spectrum in Ireland. The committee wishes to hear more about how the State can ensure that the autistic community is fully included and supported in society, including within the areas of education and beyond. Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose that we publish their opening statements on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I call Dr. O'Connell to make her opening statement on behalf of the Technological University of the Shannon.