David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Anne Ferris and Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and Senator Ivana Bacik.

The purpose of the meeting is to have an engagement with Ms Helen Guinan, the chairperson designate of the National Disability Authority. On behalf of the joint committee, I thank Ms Guinan for appearing before us. Members look forward to hearing from and engaging with her in this session. We will first hear a short opening statement from Ms Guinan followed by questions from members.

I draw Ms Guinan's attention to the fact that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. If, however, a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 that under salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. Guinan to make her opening statement.