Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are now in public session. I remind members and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when in silent mode. We have in the Visitors Gallery today representatives of the centres for independent living and disability rights campaigners. Questions have been submitted by them and by the Disability Federation of Ireland. Their concerns and questions about the issues under discussion today have been circulated to all members and to the witnesses, who are senior officials of the Department of Health. I welcome Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin, Secretary General of the Department of Health, who is accompanied by Ms Geraldine Fitzpatrick, assistant secretary, and Ms Grainne Duffy, principal officer. Dr. McLoughlin is in attendance to discuss the decision to end the mobility allowance scheme, the motorised transport grant and other matters arising out of the Ombudsman's evidence to the joint committee.

Before commencing, I must remind witnesses of the position on privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to this committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and the witness continues to so do, the witness is entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice or rule of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Dr. McLoughlin to make his opening remarks.