Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

While the witnesses are getting ready, I draw their attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they will be entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They 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. I also advise the witnesses that the opening statements they have submitted will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. Members are reminded 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I advise the witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that, at the request of the broadcasting service, they are asked to ensure for the duration of the meeting their mobile telephones are turned off or switched to aeroplane, safe or flight mode. The meeting is being broadcast live on UPC channel 207.
The meeting is about therapy services for children with special needs in an educational setting. The joint committee in the past considered the issue of education of children with special needs. A range of interventions for children with special education needs is possible, among which are health and personal social services such as psychological or speech and language therapy services provided by the HSE. To assist the joint committee in its consideration of this matter, I am pleased to welcome the National Council for Special Education, which is represented by Ms Teresa Griffin, Ms Mary Byrne and Mr. Sé Goulding, and the HSE, which is represented by Mr. Pat Healy and Ms Anne Melly.

We were scheduled to have another guest, a principal from St. Joseph's primary school in Fairview, but she is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances. I invite Ms Griffin to make the presentation on behalf of the National Council for Special Education, NCSE.