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

The issue we are addressing today is the difficulties faced by persons seeking to establish that they meet the medical eligibility criteria when they apply for illness-related or disability related social protection payments. We are joined by Mr. John Dunne and Ms Catherine Cox from the Carers Association, Dr. Joanne McCarthy and Ms Joan O'Donnell from the Disability Federation of Ireland, and Dr. Devesh Singh, Mr. Tony Kieran and Ms Catherine Kellaghan from the Department of Social Protection.

The Irish Medical Organisation was also invited but its representatives were unable to attend.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses 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 so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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. The opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on the committee 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 ask everyone to turn off their mobile phones completely or to switch them to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on their device, otherwise they interfere with the broadcasting equipment. This meeting is being broadcast live.

I invite Mr. Dunne him to make his presentation on behalf of the Carers Association.